One of the most endearing attributes of the people I admire most is their natural propensity to give encouragement.

Violet Ada Willet, Sue Robinson and Mr (Roger) Cornwell, to name but three, all recognised that, in both strength and adversity, a quiet word of exhortation was/is worth a thousand metaphorical (let alone literal) sticks or stones in the pursuit of improvement, achievement and, ultimately, happiness.