The Rt Rev David Farmbrough His entire 60-year ministry was spent in the diocese in which he was born. Starting as a curate, he became vicar of one of its most important parishes before appointment as an archdeacon, then as a bishop. In all these posts Farmbrough displayed the Anglican pastoral ministry at its best. He cared for people and won the affection of both clergy and laity . When necessary he could be firm, but he was never accused of being unfair . The three diocesan bishops under whom he served had equal reason to value him and be grateful for his support. It was Robert Runcie who first recognised Farmbrough's leadership qualities by appointing him Archdeacon of St Albans. In this post he proved to be the future Archbishop of Canterbury's right-hand man, taking responsibility for much of the management of the diocese and thus enabling Runcie to exercise a wider ministry. John Taylor, Runcie's successor at St Albans, found Farmbrough an invaluable guide and support as he prepared to take the work of the diocese forward. So did the next diocesan bishop. David John Farmbrough was born at Luton on May 4 1929. He went from Bedford School to Lincoln College, Oxford, to read Modern History and prepared for Holy Orders at Westcott House, Cambridge. From 1953 to 1957 he was a curate at Bishop's Hatfield, the rector being the future Bishop of Rochester, David Say, who subsequently made him one of his honorary chaplains. Farmbrough then spent six years as priest-in-charge of St John's church, Hatfield New Town, welcoming new arrivals and building a vibrant, socially conscious congregation. The contrast between this and the ancient market town of Bishop's Stortford, to which he moved in 1963, could hardly have been greater; but this community too was expanding rapidly with the incursion of London commuters, and from the early 15th-century parish church of St Michael, Farmbrough exercised a vigorous ministry, preserving tradition while branching out in many new directions. He also served as rural dean of the area, and in 1972 began a nine-year stint on the General Synod. As Archdeacon of St Albans (1974-81), he won many more friends and admirers, visiting the clergy and parishes as a priority and being briskly efficient in dealing with the ever increasing amount of paperwork arising from synodical government and parish reorganisation. A notable achievement was his chairmanship of a joint St Albans/Chelmsford group appointed to negotiate the sale of the buildings of the former Hockerill College of Education, near Bishop's Stortford. His business skills and tact ensured a highly satisfactory outcome for Church finances. His appointment as Bishop of Bedford in 1981 was widely welcomed throughout the diocese . Over the next 12 years he was deeply involved in the life of the county as well as the Church; made good clergy appointments to the parishes; and was noted for his wisdom, warmth and hospitality. Following his retirement in 1983, Farmbrough's ministry continued as an honorary assistant bishop. He also served as chairman and treasurer of the Clergy Orphan Corporation and as chairman of the governors of St Margaret's School, Bushey. He published two books: In Wonder, Love and Praise (1966) and Belonging, Believing and Doing (1971). He is survived by his wife, Angela, who played a full part in his ministry and in their retirement became High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, and by a son and three daughters. The Rt Rev David Farmbrough, born May 4 1929, died March 9 2013