crossramsbury.net

Every now and then a theme emerges over a weekend, and this particular weekend it has been crossing over!   We started off by going over to move our eldest daughter from her existing flat to her new flat in the boarding school where she teaches.  It was not far, in fact it was the flat next door, but unfortunately we had to go down two flights of stairs, and along a corridor and then up another two flights of stairs!  It was a great workout, and after a few hours, Hollie was settling into her new abode.  What struck me most as we moved from one flat to the other, was a sense of knowing when we were over half way in shifting the boxes.  There came a point as we stopped to rest or partake of a cup of tea, when we actually stopped using the old flat, and started using the new – and I don’t think it was anything to do with moving the kettle!!

Then this morning, I started reading the next book on the pile I keep in my study, and I found it was a book called Sum: Forty tales from the afterlives.  It is a fascinating book, given in cases short stories from authors who have speculated, or perhaps fantasised about what happens following our death.  I’ve just read the first ten or so, and it will be interesting to see what other people make of crossing over.

The third aspect of this theme occurred when I was taking a few minutes to catch up on some zzz, and catch a few rays in the garden.  We have a lovely garden, and enjoy every square inch, and of course the river.  One of the given factors though, is that we lie under a flight path from the airfield at Old Sarum, and every few minutes a light aircraft, or microlight, or helicopter makes its progress across the sky.  I don’t mind actually, and it is a fantasy of mine to fly, or even learn to fly in a small aircraft.  Today, one of the men [or women] in their flying machines was performing aerobatics, and I was imagining the amount of G-force that the pilot must have been pulling in the stunts, as s/he crissed and crossed through the sky.  Lovely, and lucky for them.

Today my sermon was on Martha and Mary, the fact that they create a whole – doing and being – which we as disciples ought to consider. There is a place for both types of activity and we ought to find the right balance which may well be different for each of us and, unlike Martha, we ought not to complain when others don’t seem to be pulling their weight.

On the way home it occurred to me that I ought to practice what I preach – I need to find the time to be and do – so I start this blog entry with an apology to Alan who has certainly been Martha and I have been Mary, he has very generously not reminded me that it has been a long time since I blogged.

I did think of doing it when we were on Pilgrimage in the Pewsey Team but I couldn’t get on line where I was staying and I didn’t think of other ways I could do it. Then I thought that I would do a retrospect blog but time went by. Then there was my retreat (brilliant with woodpecker and rabbit joining me on various occasions) and the ordinations in the Cathedral where I had the privilege of laying my hands on two people (thank you Ann and Jenny). Again time went by and it seemed to late to do anything. So this blog is also a big thank you to all those who have cared for me, invited me to events, been with me in various meetings and have been generous hosts.

During  the coming week I will blogging most of  my morning thoughts for BBC Radio, the idea came from driving around this wonderful countryside in which we live. I hope to continue to find the time to be and contribute to the blog as part of that being time.

Time is flying by in the Pewsey Deanery Pilgrimage – Unite FC.  Since we last blogged, the team has been out and about and I’m able to blog the events I have attended, and it has encompassed the whole of life’s journey.

Tuesday morning we gathered in St John the Baptist, Pewsey for breakfast and morning prayer, and then I headed out solo to Collingbourne Ducis Primary School.  The buildings are relatively new there, and it was lovely to see the children learning in a very spacious and well planned environment.  I visited classes, and met teachers, and saw a wonderful presentation on pilgrimage by the school, who have produced art panels showing the Christian pilgrimage through life.  A buffet lunch with Governors and staff completed my visit.  Check out the school for yourselves at: http://wiltshire.schooljotter.com/collingbourne

I then had to hotfoot it to Great Bedwyn, to join Bishop Stephen and Rachel at the Primary school for a special collective worship and blessing of the school’s sensory quiet garden.  Again the buildings were relatively modern, and the children very excited about the prospects of the Bishop amongst their number.  +Stephen spoke about being able to know when we were pointing in the right direction, and that we often need friends to help us turn around and travel in the right direction.  The school sang two hymns really well, and read some excellent poetry.  Another site for you to explore: http://www.greatbedwyn.ik.org/

Rachel and I then left the Bishop to bless the garden, and we headed south to Burbage where we joined the staff and residents of Seymour Court, an assisted living accommodation for older people.  They were relaxing after lunch, and we joined them for a cup of tea and biscuit, and found the conversations easy and fun.  Rachel in particular had a belly aching time of laughter and we were privileged and inspired to hear their stories, and chat about their life achievements.

Then the weather closed in and the rain came down, and we heard that the planned motorcycle ride to Poole Quay has been postponed – and my photo opportunity to sit astride a Triumph Sprint will have to wait!

One of our discount bookshops in Salisbury is closing down.  I like to browse there so will miss the place.  My last visit there produced some interesting purchases, including the Wagamama Cookbook, and the Highway Code.  The cookbook can wait for me to share some of my attempts, but the Highway Code has stirred some interesting thoughts for me.

Since my childhood, I can remember being fascinated by the Highway Code.  My father had a copy hanging around, and I can recall looking at the roadsigns and thinking that the colours and shapes and information given were quite absorbing.  Then of course when I applied for my provisional driving licence, I received my own copy of the Code, and set about  learning all those signs, including the direction signs and those infamous stopping distances – remember? Thinking distance + Braking distance = Stopping distance!

But I wonder how many people have realised that the Highway Code has been updated and many of the rules and regulations have been changed or added to?  We all can identify and know how to use a Zebra Crossing, and a Pelican crossing – but would you know how to use a Puffin crossing, and even a Toucan crossing?  What about the signs for a Home Zone or Quiet Lane? School Crossing Patrol signals?  And do you have to respond to signals given by Highways Agency or VOSA traffic officers?

The Highway Code is still more than just a fascinating read for a nerdy petrol-head like me; these are rules and common sense and good practice which help thousands of road users [including cyclists, motorcyclists, horseriders, pedestrians and disability scooter users] share common space, and protect one another as we journey on the roads and footpaths of our country.

The same is true for our moral codes, which from the Ten Commandments, through to the Human Rights Act seeks to provide a safe and secure framework for our common living together which seeks to provide justice and equity in our journey through life.  Do we know what our responsibilities are? We would do well to remind ourselves often, in preference to finding ourselves advising others, prematurely and incorrectly.

My colleagues will often ridicule me for my passion for motor vehicles.  I’ve always had an interest in cars, and from an early age was keen to see how they worked, and had many many happy moments under the bonnet of my 1960 Austin Mini, before moving onto an Austin 1100 [2-door] then a Triumph Spitfire Mk 4, an MG Midget, and then a move into the more sensible Vauxhall family car range, when children came along - Nova[remember that?], Astra, Astra, Corsa, another Astra and finally the Vectra.

Cars for me are not just a set of  wheels, and a means of  getting someone, and something from point A to point B.  Many conversations with friends and colleagues have mystified them when I talk about cars with personalities, and expressions of my own character [and ego!];objects of  desire, artistic beauty, and technological design statements. 

The time has come to exchange the Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 LS.  KF03WFT you’ve been a close and good friend!

It was bought primarily to carry my daughters and all their worldly possessions to university and back.  The Astra just did not understand the volume these girls required – and so the Vectra joined the family.  And that is  how it has seemed.  We’ve journeyed some 122,000 miles together – those long trips to Durham and York, enabling quality prime time with my teenage daughters.  The car took me home after some tearful farewells, as I left my babies alone and hundreds of miles distant.  The car has provided me with a mobile office across the diocese as I sought to offer encouragement and ministry to parishes and schools.  It has been a favoured minibus as colleagues have scrounged lifts to conferences and retreats.  It has helped the gardeners at Herbert House to transport turf, gravel, plants and all kinds of large and bulky objects.  Holidays, to Norfolk, Scotland, Wales, and the Lakes.  Army staff car, lifting equipment and personnel into camps across the country.  How can you say this is just a metal box and four wheels?

But Friday last, the garage needed to take her in, and give her a new chapter with a new owner.  I pick up my new car tomorrow – but for now, the moment belongs to my Vectra.  I carefully emptied the car of all the necessary, and personal items – cloths, CDs, car park small change, road atlas, ice-scraper etc.  Gave her a final wash and hoover out, and then drove across town to the garage.  We pulled into the car park gracefully and gratefully.  I switched off the engine and sat there for a while … enjoying the silence and the sound of the ticking of the cooling engine…and then it was time to say goodbye. I say a prayer of thanks – for the many hours and miles travelled safely, for the shared family times, and those one to one moments, and a prayer for those who will travel in her from now on.  Humans are fragile and foolish creatures – please do what you can to protect and guide them.

With the full service history under my arm, I climbed out for the last time, closed the door with its familiar firm clunk, and with just a brief glance over my shoulder as I pressed the locking button, walked away… … …

It’s been one of those weekends where people have made a lasting impression on me.  No great surprise there, for it is people that makes my world a good place to be, and meeting new people, and sharing the good news with them is what gives me a buzz.

The first encounter was as we came to the end of the walk from Winchester to Salisbury on Friday.  I was propping up a fellow walker as we headed down from Winterslow into Salisbury.  A couple of weary walkers had just passed a lady with a small primary school girl in tow, and when we meandered down the lane, they stopped and asked where we were heading, “Salisbury!” we wheezed.  “Where have you come from?” “Winchester!” whistled through our dry lips.  “You’ve walked from Winchester to Salisbury all in one day?  That is really wonderful, well done!!! ” We were nearly completely done, but that kind comment, and the smile and wave from the little girl was all the encouragement we needed to carry on.

Yesterday, I had just washed the MGF and took it up the garage to replenish the fuel tanks.  As I was queueing to pay, a man came up to me and asked if I was the driver of the MG.  Expecting him to say someone had just run off with the wheels, or that I had taken the pump he was queuing for, I tentatively said, “Yes”.  “What a great condition she’s in,” he replied!  “Yes,” I said, “better than the owner today!”  “You’ve kept her in superb condition,” he carried on, “and it’s a wonderful sight to see some one’s pride and joy!”  “Thank you so much”, I finished, and walked back to the car, happy as a puppy with a new bone!

Today, I was at Milton Lilbourne, near Pewsey, as part of the pre-pilgrimage visits to parishes.  I’d preached at the parish communion, and was chatting to people after the service.  One couple introduced themselves, and I asked where they were from.  “Little Salisbury!” they replied.  “Ah, I said, I’m from Big Salisbury!” expecting them to say that the city is a small town sized settlement.  They then went on the explain that Little Salisbury is a hamlet not far from the church.  I’ve been racing around the lanes for about 12 years, and I had never noticed the small sign to Little Salisbury – there is always something new to learn!!

Another couple in church were clearly visually impaired, and they had the most wonderful carer, who carefully guided them around the church to receive communion etc.  I chatted afterwards, and  they live in a home where they receive assistance.  They proudly announced that they were due to be married later in the year, and I was so pleased to chat to them about how they care for one another, and how the carer makes sure they have as much independence as possible.  How wonderful to know that love is deep enough to exceed visual appearances, and that the love within this community build bridges and breaks down barriers.

Last weekend I drove nearly 200 miles in our diocese, sometimes dropping into Bath and Wells but then I won’t talk about that.
My journeys began on Saturday, seeing me on the A303 at 0730 hrs driving west with very few other vehicles on the road. I turned off at Crewkerne and wended my way to Bradpole (near Bridport for those who have the same size geography knowledge as I do). The journey was lovely and the scenery was a delight to view. The workshop was good – but then I would say it as I was leading it – and the participants were nice people. In fact some were so nice that they also helped be clear up afterwards, so thank you very much.
I had to drop some things off at Church House so came back via Dorchester, another good journey with nice scenery.
Sunday and I was in the north of the diocese, visiting St Katherine’s Savernake Forest and St Nicholas East Grafton (near Marlborough) Again the journeys were good and the sun continued to shine making everything look really good.
Both congregations were warm in their welcome and I enjoyed the time I spent with them. Both church buildings are not what one might expect: St K’s has a haw-haw and both have a rounded end to their chancel which I think is called an apse and the acoustics are good. There were obviously more to them but I’m not an architect so don’t know the names of the other parts which were interesting to look at. Thank you to all those I met and I look forward to seeing you in June when the Ramsbury team comes your way.
It was over the weekend that I realised that envy comes in many forms and oh for a little MG or similar in which I could have enjoyed driving with the roof down – maybe one day Alan won’t be the only one with such a vehicle.

It is Saturday morning – the morning after the night before.  The family would like things to get back some kind of normality.  You know - routine, regular meal times, plans for the day, nothing out of the ordinary.  I reckon that is what those disciples and onlookers wanted back on that first day after Good Friday.  Keep your head down, take stock of what has happened, and let’s try and pick up the pieces.

I did not say morning prayer this morning.  I could have, but as I went to bed very late last night, I woke and wrote the journal under Holy Week [6] instead.  Reflective prayer I call it.  It helped me to put things in order.  The family wanted some kind of normality, so I cooked a breakfast for us.  On days off, I often do that, as we have time, and it is nice to start the day together, whereas we usually have a staggered start.  I then made some plans, a shopping list, and such like.  We decided to look at cars today – the Vectra is getting to that stage and age, [120k on the clock, and 7 years old] that the occasional bill has to be paid between services!  We looked and touched, but not drove – and we’ll now do our sums to see if we can afford said new wheels.

The family headed into town, and I came home, put on some walking shoes and headed out, in the showers [a theme for this week!] with rucksack and shopping list to my preferred supermarket.  I like to stretch my legs, and to pound a few miles does me good, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Normality?  On the way to the supermarket, I passed the railway station, and saw a steam loco being watered by a tender from the Fire Brigade.  5043 Earl of Mount Edgecumbe, a GWR 4073 class loco, in early BR green, was the steaming beast if you are interested.

I then had a lunch of hot cross buns and coffee, and that set me up with the energy needed to write tomorrow’s sermon.  It seems such an obvious topic, and there is really only one message, but like all gifts, it is nice to wrap it in something interesting and new.

Anita and I went on the Passover Meal at Wilton.  Mark introduced the simple meal explaining that as we had leaned heavily on St John’s version of the passion narratives, and St John’s tells us that the crucifixion took place on the day of preparation for the Passover, then we could celebrate this meal tonight.  We also took a Christian version of the meal, in order not to offend scripture that only Jews should celebrate the Passover, and also to bring out the rich symbolism of the meal for us this special night.

After our prayers, and meal, and preparation for the service to follow, we heard Sue the Deacon proclaim the Reading of the Exodus from Egypt.

No surprises when we  emerged from the community centre to move to the piazza in front of the church, it was pouring with rain!  The contingencies were that the congregation would wait inside the church with the west doors open, and the clergy would stand in the portico with the choir whilst the new fire was lit, and the paschal candle adorned with the five pins, and the candle carried into church with the acclamation, “The Light of Christ!”  The church gradually filled with light as the new life symbolised by the flame spread to the candles carried by choir and congregation.

Later, after hearing the Easter song of praise the exultet sung beautifully by Mark, and more readings from scripture, we processed to the font to renew our baptismal vows.  The customary sprinkling of water was both refreshing and life giving, and we then heard the Easter Gospel proclaimed by Sue from St Luke.  We left church ready to greet the risen Christ in our hearts, within the community that we are called to serve, and to shine as lights into the world.

My thanks to Mark and Sue and the whole congregation at St Mary and St Nicholas Wilton for allowing me to journey with them this Holy Week.  An early night for me tonight, and then we wait for the coming Dawn.

The month of January is over half way and I am sitting in my room at the beginning of a three day conference reflecting on what has happened. Why you might well ask? Well the journey here was interesting as I drove through rain, sleet, snow, sleet, rain and then on dry roads. it seemed as though I was in different worlds- a bit like Narnia and the wardrobe.

In the beginning of January I was in St Agnes, Cornwall watching the news of all the snow and not seeing any until the Thursday morning when I left. It seemed as though I was living in another world.

Then the following week I was watching the news about the earthquake in Haiti whilst sitting at home surrounded by snow and finding it hard to cope with the numbers of those killed or injured. It seemed as though I was living in another world.

This afternoon I met up with people some of whom I haven’t seen since the last conference and caught up with news from various places in the UK. It helped me remember that I am in the same world, it is the variety which makes it special and I only see a small part of it.

Over the last week I have driven many miles in our wonderful Wilthshire countryside and it has amazed me how many different forms of transport I have seen.

I have seen a carriage and four horses, with very smartly dressed driver and co; a carriage with a single horse, two lurgers and a Springer spaniel were running alongside; several cyclist on road racing, mountain and the average type of bike, some dressed in Lycra and others in jeans and tee shirts; several motorcyclists on bikes ranging from the most modern to those from the 60s including one with three wheels; many sports cars again from the early years of motoring to the modern; at least six gliders all on the same thermal; two hot air balloons and a few parachutists.

Alongside these I saw many people on foot either walking or running and the usual number of cars, vans, caravans etc often seen on our roads.

I did not see a boat and although I went under railway bridges on several occasions I did not see a train but did see play ones which is why I used the title.

They all seemed to be out because of the sun and fine conditions and it was a delight to see. It added interest to my journeys and, on several occasions when I was behind one of the slower modes of transport, allowed me to take in the view more easily.