Way back in 1979 I travelled to London for the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs (MAYC) London Weekend.  My brother and I were only away for two nights with a coachload of other folk from Bradford, most of them unknown to us, but that weekend my life changed.  Returning home on Sunday evening, I can…

I have been inspired recently by several different people who could so easily be described as being “Disabled” I watched an excellent documentary about the Eastenders star and Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, who has been profoundly deaf since birth, this twenty-eight-year-old woman has encouraged deaf young people and inspired them to strive to achieve their…

I was invited to have a scan a few weeks ago and went to a local health centre. The letter clearly stated that face masks MUST be worn, and there was a notice on the door as I entered, stating the same.  I sat in the waiting with two other people, all dutifully wearing our…

You might think that I have lost the plot and not realised that today it is July.  Being on sabbatical, I admit that I was thrilled with the idea of “No Mow May” I am no gardener and mowing the lawn is about my limit when it comes to horticulture.  We had a week away…

Today marks the end of my sabbatical, and I am grateful to the Methodist Church for granting me the space and time to involve myself in a range of events, activities, and experiences that would normally be out of reach because of work commitments.  Last Friday (23rd June) was one such day, we were able…

I am currently on sabbatical from work, which means that I am able to do things that I would not normally be able to do.  One such occasion was Sunday 21st May when Karen and I went to a café worship at Hethersett Church with our daughter and grandson.  The service was wonderful, and the…

I am currently on sabbatical, which is three months of study leave and not meant to be holiday, however, one of the great joys of stepping back from my normal daily routine for a season is that I am able to spend more time with my wider family, which has been a great joy for…

I love this picture, it is framed and mounted at the top of our stairs at home. The picture is of my paternal grandmother, and I believe that she was about eighteen at the time dating it around the year 1900.  I only knew my grandma as an old lady and she died a few…

Back in the 1960’s in the days when the Whitsuntide bank holiday coincided with the celebration of Pentecost, the people of Bradford would crowd on the pavements of the city to watch the walkers.  The race, in its day was oldest road walking event in the world and at its height attracted several hundred walkers…

We have a special event in the Methodist Church during the spring of every year called the Presbyteral Synod.  It is a gathering of all Presbyters (ministers who wear dog collars) across the Methodist District and it is a day that I hold dear in my heart because we share in a service of Holy…