In 1987, I asked our local Church of England Reverend (with whom I was to serve as a governor for a secondary school), for a reference. He wrote, "I believe him to be enterprising, hard-working, honest and reliable. I know of his botanical studies and expeditions, and I have seen examples of his photographs and of his alpine and Himalayan plant specimens. I consider him to be man who will bring to a successful conclusion any enterprise that he undertakes.
Naturally, I was satisfied with what had been said - which I consider to an accurate assessment. To some, this may appear immodest but given that my integrity has been challenged and my reputation permanently tarnished by a major 'institution', defending myself seems only reasonable.