Sunday 29 April 2012


We had an amazing day yesterday when St Cuthberts was rededicated following the restoration. It was great to have Bishop Tony and our super new Archdeacon, Anne Dawtry with us - and to have the support of our MP, Mayor and local councillors.  The highlight was undoubtably the unusual sight of a procession - led by a crucifer (Graham wanted double pay for that).  At Cuths we tend to wander rather than process - but this was a special occasion, and of course you do need some way of getting your Bishop safely from one end of the church to another by the shortest route. Here, just for historical records is said procession..........he does seem to be keeping his distance from the Church Wardens. Please note our lovely newly restored floor - no high heels allowed!

Other memorable processions............................?

An odd one: tramping though a muddy field in Elstow with Bishop John Richardson (+ Bedford) in the pouring rain.  Me reciting a psalm while he consecrated an extension to the graveyard. This odd and ancient rite being observed by a selection of rather tipsy gentlemen who had just left the village pub.  It would have made a good scene for 'Rev'.

One I'd rather forget: an unfortunate day in  Peel Cathedral when no one would walk next to me in procession - what with me being a woman and all ( the only female priest in the Diocese at the time)

and lots of joyful ones....processing out of St Albans Abbey after my ordination and the end of each of my induction services since then.

My sabbatical has now officially begun and I am heading for Australia.... but not in a procession.







Thursday 26 April 2012

How scary! 7 followers already, so praps I'd better write something................Margaret my Curate colleague has just left after a long hand over session. These next 3 months are going to be a roller coaster for her as she takes on more responsibility. She is a star!  When I was a curate at Elstow Abbey my Richard, training incumbent, abandoned me in my final year by retiring so I know the feeling of impending doom that she must be feeling! At least I am only going for 3 months.

long ago and far away...when I was a Curate and before I was abandoned
In those days there were three of us in the Deanery without incumbents and we called ourselves the 'Abandoned Curates Society' - it was a good excuse to meet in the pub for and persuade the Rural Dean to buy us lunch.
I have three more days in the parishes before my sabbatical starts and the wandering begins (....mind you there's been a lot of previous wandering. Wallasey to West Yorkshire, via  Liverpool, Bedford and the Isle of Man)   But now we are heading to Adelaide in Australia to experience life and ministry in the Anglican Parish of Parkside - St Oswalds and Emmanuel.  The people there are already showing us incredible kindness and we are looking forward to meeting them all.    This was supposed to be an exchange with the David, the Rector of Parkside , and his wife Deborah, coming here to St Philips and St Cuthberts. But sadly David has had surgery on his back and he cant make the long flight so its a rather one sided exchange.  
But that's next week - lots to do before then including the re-dedication of St Cuthberts after extensive restoration.  Bishop Tony is coming - it will be a great celebration.  The torrential rain the in last few days has tested the new roof - and so far so good! 



Saturday 21 April 2012

I have often thought about writing a book about various parts of my life - nursing - midwifery - priesthood - but being a bit slow off the mark others have beaten me to it and I am left to wonder....
Why did I not write 'Call the Midwife' or 'Catching Babies'?
Why did I not write The Vicar of Dibley or  'Rev' (which was virtually a documentry on my life and ministry)
Probably a mixture of not having the literary skill or the time to sit and write
But I am just about to start a 3 month sabbatical so, to have time to write now, I never will!
I have never blogged before and am only able to start with the help of my son Michael
If no one reads this - at least I have the beginnings of my book and when I retire................it shall be written!