One Saturday in the Autumn of 2020 there was a “Breakfast in a Bap” event held in Seaton Road Methodist Church. It was held in the garden as we were just coming out of Lockdown. Obviously, people were still very wary of being with others and so we had quite a bit of food left…

We took my grandson to a children’s birthday party a couple of weeks ago at ‘Jump In’ (formerly ‘Bounce’). Now, for the uninitiated, this is a massive warehouse type place (no windows) with trampolines set into the floor and other bouncy surfaces from which children and adults can propel themselves and run about. It’s quite…

We travelled recently to the African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe. To go on holiday somewhere that most people have never heard of, let alone found on a map is a fantastic privilege and humbling as well. More of that in weeks to come, sorry. Today’s reading is Isaiah 60:1-7, a passage about…

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Rev Claire Jones www.christianaid.org.uk/resources/pray Something to read He said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces…

A copy of this poem was presented to several ladies recently and after asking the donor for permission I was told “This was something she found and used many years ago, not written by her but, it surfaced again when decluttering.  * Anonymous*    I carry a cross in my pocket, a simple reminder to…

I have a significant university reunion coming up in March. Over the (many) years there have been many reunions with varying take up by members, myself included. I think I attended the 10 and 25 years. However, judging by the messages flying back and forth on the “WhatsApp” group, all but about 3 out of…

Way back in the days before package holidays overseas, most people took their holidays in this country.  I remember a family friend, going to Nigeria and following the holiday, she showed her slides from her holiday at an event in the Church. I remember being enthralled by a picture she had taken out of the…

The other day I noticed little bits of white poking out from the leaves on my Helleborus. Some of the blooms were almost above the leaves but on separating the leaves there were loads of blooms still making their way slowly skywards. When they all grow a bit more I’m going to have a beautiful…

Badge testing at gymnastics!  11 challenges of which the granddaughter had to complete 8 to qualify for her first certificate and coveted badge. She had listened really carefully to the instructions, practised at home and warmed up enthusiastically so she was ready and prepared. I watched as one by one she did her stuff on…

I recently reached one of those points that will be familiar to many of you. The daily juggling act of work priorities (for which I am paid), and volunteering (for which I pay) is usually manageable. Then along comes a whole new list of demands in the latter category and I have had to say,…