NOVEMBER is traditionally a month for remembrance and, as a nation, we shall salute many of our heroes this coming weekend.

My own tradition – Roman Catholic – keeps November 1 each year as All Saints Day. A saint is anyone who has attained their reward in heaven, so there are many more saints than are listed as 'official' saints.

Those people named as saints get their own personal feast days. November 1 is the day for the ones that few people know about, those who are not widely recognised

It will not take you many minutes of quiet reflection to identify good people who were an influence on your life. If they have died you may think to yourself, "yes, they were good people, they are probably saints".

That does not mean they were perfect, that they never made mistakes or did nothing amiss. It does not mean that they never fell; it does mean that they always got up again!

So, once we have remembered our war heroes this weekend, take some time next week to reflect on the good people who are your personal saints, who had a good effect on you and helped forge you into the person that you are today. Give thanks for them. It is standing on the shoulders of these giants that helps us to see further.