I need to honour two very dear souls who passed away last week, friends who have left a measurable void for all those who loved them; Alan Saunders and Chris Jackman. Alan was known and loved by many as the voice of Radio National. We meet at the first Symposium of Gastronomy and I was immediately struck by his incredible intelligence and unerring kindness of spirit. And his voice. What a truly beautiful voice. Chris can be most succinctly described from my point of view, as generous to a fault. A chef and baker extraordinaire, he was such a talented soul and a beautiful dancer. I will miss both of them enormously, as will all who had the good fortune of meeting them.