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The University of Brighton has issued a directive advising staff not to use the word ‘Christmas’ because it is too ‘Christian-centric’ and runs the risk of insulting non-Christians. Instead they should refer to the end of term as the ‘winter closure period’. The UK is increasingly a secular country… Christmas is cancelled. Tonight we wereContinue reading “Christmas Cancellations”

The big news this weekend has been the conclusion of the World Cup. Described by commentators as ‘the greatest final ever’, Argentina won thanks to the ‘magical magnificent Messi’… surviving early defeat against Saudi Arabia, a draw and penalty shoot out against Holland in the quarter-finals, and France’s heroic efforts in the final. Argentina survivedContinue reading “Surviving Christmas”

I’ve seen this old Chesney Hawkes/Nik Kershaw song in a different light… I’ll still be doing it the way I do itAnd yet, you try to make me forgetWho I really amDon’t tell me I know bestI’m not the same as all the rest Identity, self-confidence, self-worth, value and purpose remains a huge issue forContinue reading “The One And Only”

Yesterday morning the fire engines, blue lights and air ambulance arrived. A house round the corner from us was on fire. Neighbours were evacuated, the road closed for a couple of hours… ‘The fire spread to at least three rooves along the row of terraced houses but was stopped from taking hold. One patient, anContinue reading “Fires – Extinguished or Burning”

It’s all happening on our bird feeders. The current cold weather has brought chaffinches, goldfinches and a host of other small birds – as well as ‘Woody’ the woodpecker who’s a regular visitor. They’re all enjoying their breakfast. I hear a noise. I look out the window. The air ambulance has just landed opposite ourContinue reading “It’s All Happening!”

The Seekers: Someday, one dayTime’s not so far awayWe can share the dreams we plannedOh, someday… Craig’s the manager at our local ‘Jolly Sailors’. Last week, on the front page of The Lowestoft Journal: ‘…I went to put the roast potatoes on when I realised we were out of cooking oil. Just about to headContinue reading “Some Day, One Day,”

The recent snow and frost brings beautiful frosty patterns, snow that’s deep and crisp and even. On Tuesday I was sitting by a log fire in a local pub… the classic Christmas cards showing a Victorian snow scene where all are warm, merry and bright. In contrast the treacherous conditions have caused numerous road trafficContinue reading “Side by Side”

On Sunday we heard of the four boys who fell through the ice in a lake in Solihull, West Midlands. Yesterday we learnt that three had died and the fourth’s in a critical condition. In TV interviews Superintendent Richard Harris from West Midlands Police described the first officer on the scene entering the lake inContinue reading “Leaders: Richard, Richard, Gareth & Mick”

Yesterday I read of parents banning some of the ‘fairy tales’ that I was brought up on… Hansel and Gretel’s abandoned children, abducted by a bloodthirsty, cannibalistic witch… Red Riding Hood’s wolf that eats grandmothers… violent and distressing images! There are issues of body image with Cinderella and her ugly sisters… sizeism with Snow White’sContinue reading “Once Upon A Time”

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare Him roomAnd heaven and nature sing It’s the third Sunday in Advent. Some call it ‘Gaudete Sunday’; the Latin Gregorian chant that used to be sung on this Sunday started: ‘Gaudete in Domino semper…’ St Paul’s words: ‘Rejoice in theContinue reading “Joy to the World”