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To Have and to Hold…

Jean’s husband Trevor has dementia. She can only see him once a week for 30 minutes, at his Suffolk care home, due to the pandemic visiting restrictions. Jean says the lack of interaction has affected her husband’s illness: ‘I call it torture of the heart. I took a vow and that was to have andContinue reading “To Have and to Hold…”

Fresh eyes

I worked with Jane for many years – an excellent teacher, a popular member of staff, a good team player. I knew her husband George too – strong, confident, always cheerful. They were both good people and seemed happy together. They moved away. They were divorced. I learnt that for much of the time thatContinue reading “Fresh eyes”

It Will End In Tears…

Boris announced yesterday that national lockdown restrictions will end on December 2 to be replaced with ‘regional tiers’. People wait to hear how it will affect their local shops, pubs, gyms, restaurants, businesses… spectator sports and public worship (strangely linked!)… and what will happen at Christmas. Lockdown will end with tiers… It remined me ofContinue reading “It Will End In Tears…”

That’s Me – Father Damien

I sometimes play a very childish game. I read the description of a product off its packaging and say, ‘That’s Me’. It started years ago when I had some Bournville plain chocolate that was described as ‘Rich, dark and really rather smooth.’ Yesterday the Cheddar cheese was ‘extra mature’ and the wine was ‘full-bodied andContinue reading “That’s Me – Father Damien”

Will Your Anchor Hold?

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,will your anchor drift, or firm remain? I’ve known this old hymn all my life, loving its imagery and old fashioned language. In recent years, living in a seaside town, and attendingContinue reading “Will Your Anchor Hold?”

My Generation

People try to put us down (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Just because we get around (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Things they do look awful cold (talkin’ ’bout my generation)I hope I die before I get old (talkin’ ’bout my generation) In 1965 Pete Townsend and the Who weren’t and didn’t want to be like their parents. TheyContinue reading “My Generation”

Three Billy Goats Gruff

Yesterday’s local sports’ headlines included ‘Rupp and Skipp in the Canaries’ engine room’. For the uninitiated or disinterested it referred to Lucas Rupp and Oliver Skipp, who play football for Norwich City. I like the idea of a canary with an engine. ‘Rupp and Skipp’ reminded me of a song I heard many years agoContinue reading “Three Billy Goats Gruff”

It ain’t what you do…

Musing on the old song: ‘It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it.’ Yesterday, musing on ‘vocation’… Nurses and care home workers continue to be praised not just because they do a good job but because of the sort of people they are… A former colleague recently said, ‘I have beenContinue reading “It ain’t what you do…”

My Way

And now, the end is nearAnd so I face the final curtainMy friend, I’ll say it clearI’ll state my case, of which I’m certainI’ve lived a life that’s fullI travelled each and every highwayAnd more, much more than this, I did it my way. Musing on the old Frank Sinatra song… not because I thinkContinue reading “My Way”

Facts, Opinions and Truth

Paul and Jimmy were (almost certainly still are) two excellent humanities teachers. I observed many of their lessons. They taught the children the difference between facts and opinions. They would ask questions like, ‘Was Oliver Cromwell a good man?’. Answers were required to be: ‘I think Cromwell was/wasn’t a good man because… for example…’ ThisContinue reading “Facts, Opinions and Truth”