ERGEN SIMONSON was born in Dresden, Germany in 1924 and grew up under the Nazi regime. Because of some Jewish antecedents he was called up to do forced labour in France in 1944, escaped and after more adventures came to England in 1945. He was ordained into the Church of England in 1952, worked in Nigeria for 7 years and spent the last 21 years in the parochial ministry in Putney and Barnes. He retired in 1990 and now lives near Andover. He is Canon Emeritus of Southwark Cathedral and Moderator for Readers in Winchester Diocese. He is married to Jean. They have three children, all married, and four grandchildren.