Saints first loss of the season

Unlike yesterday, a much quieter day today spent mainly at home.  Thom did his early morning paper rounds and I had a fairly lazy morning.  This afternoon Thom and I listened on the radio and watched the football scores with Southampton losing away to Norwich 1-0. This means they have dropped to ninth place in the Premier League this evening.  On a brighter note, Liverpool beat their great rivals, Manchester United, 1-0 at Anfield - a wonderful result which is now putting Liverpool in definite contention for the championship this year - all without Suarez too! 

Installed as Wiltshire Masters' Master

A very special day for me today - but unlike yesterday a very busy one too.  I busied myself in the study in the early part of the morning before attending a special meeting of the Winterslow PCC to discuss the parish's strategic plan for the church's mission.  It seems that the three major areas which the church wishes to concentrate on are children and youth, house groups and heritage. It remains to be seen how these strands of mission will develop.  For my part, I have to concentrate on providing overall ministry to the group of churches and parishes within the team with an emphasis on outreach - particularly men's ministry.  This evening was very special indeed as I was installed, at Devizes, as the Worshipful Master of Wiltshire Masters' Lodge No. 6731 and this was particularly special as I was installed by the Provincial Grand Superintendent for the Holy Royal Arch with the assistance of the Provincial Grand Master with a galaxy of high ranking Masons in attendance. A report can be found at : http://www.pglwilts.org.uk/news/view/master-to-minister-in-30-days.  A lovely evening indeed in the company of 78 colleagues and friends. The food too was excellent - mackerel pate, roast pork, rice pudding and cheese and biscuits.  Everybody was so pleasant - like on your wedding day, and I felt an enormous amount of pride (and humility) in having been chosen and installed in this most prestigious of positions in Wiltshire Province. It will mean quite a bit of travelling around the country visiting other Masters' lodges and I already have accepted invitations to Dorset, Hampshire and Warwickshire.  I think I need to get a driver. 

More Bodyline

A quiet day at home today spent learning some words for the ceremony at Devizes tomorrow and some piecemeal gardening.  We were due to have a house group tonight and Sara got out a film for us all to watch – but unfortunately nobody came.  Sara decided to watch, instead, the remake of Lion in Winter some of which I also watched as well as watching another couple of episodes of Bodyline on my computer. I wonder how many people can remember the series, and in particular the haunting music? Tonight's episodes reached the climax with Oldfield's injury from the bowling of Larwood.  Just one more episode to go.   I also prepared for sending out some more invitations to my licensing ceremony and celebration on 28^th September.  The weather continues to be hot and humid.

 

Rehearsal in Marlborough

Another warm day today.  I attended the Mid-Week Eucharist at Whaddon this morning which was taken by Jane and well attended.  Afterwards, I drove to Redlynch to deliver some of Mary's old clothes to Lucy and pick up some kitchenware which Sara had bought at one of her recent parties. From Redlynch I called in at Tesco to fill the car with fuel and then into Salisbury city centre to deliver some towels and bedding for Alabare House.  After visiting the bank I returned home for a short time.  In the late afternoon I drove up to Marlborough for a meeting with David and Max to rehearse the Installation Ceremony for Friday night when I will be installed as the Master of Wiltshire Masters' Lodge 6731.  I need to brush up on my obligation before Friday and will take time out to learn the words perfectly.

A trip to Winchester

The weather has continued to be very warm and I woke up quite hot in the night.  There had been an annoying fly in our bedroom which we had managed to expel only for it to lie in wait in the family room!  got up quite late - although Sara stayed in bed a little longer - and made tea and sausage sandwiches for breakfast.  Went for a short walk this morning to the shop and to deliver some more invitations to my licensing ceremony and luncheon.  Thom was being enrolled at Peter Symonds College today and we all drove to Winchester, dropping him off whilst Sara, Mary and I walked into the city centre for a drinks at Café Nero.  I also called in at the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Shop to but a half price replacement fleece for the one I have lost (when I got home I found the missing one in my wardrobe tucked in with my football shirts!).  We stopped off at the Grosvenor Hotel in Stockbridge on the way back and had lunch and a drink there - the beer is cheaper than the village pubs.  How can that be!  Adnams IPA which was an excellent choice on a warm day.  My car registered 31 degrees C when we returned to it.  Back home I had a short doze before setting about mowing the bank - which was hard work in the heat but it looked lovely afterwards.  This evening I went for a 1.75 miles walk to deliver some more invites (both for my do and also our friends' 50th birthday party).  I also was given a fresh trout - caught only this morning by friends from church - who said that they liked my sermons. I have frozen it but shall look forward to eating it later in the week.  A quiet evening in tonight - writing up my blog and following the football score - Southampton have beaten Barnsley 1-5 in the Second Round of the League Cup.  A great win by our second team.  I have wonderful hopes for Saints this season. 

August Bank Holiday - At Alabare Place

August Bank Holiday.  In the past this has been such an important day (when I was working full-time) but since I left Friends it seems more like an ordinary day now.  For those for whom it was an additional holiday the day was gloriously hot and I am sure many went down to the beach.  I decided to do my "stint" at Alabare Place as the bank holiday makes little difference to the homeless.  The Drop-In Centre was buzzing today with few staff on.  I made tea and coffee for the staff and chatted to a number of service users who are now getting used to seeing me around and have a better understanding of my role - I even got to talking to one woman about the existence of God.  I remember some of the words from John's sermon last night - quoting from the French poet Paul Claudel  "Speak about Christ only when asked; But live so that people ask about Christ".  Some of the service users clearly do want to talk about their faith. I love that and have written it down in my learning journal.  Another great topic for a sermon, although Sara doesn't agree with Claudel as she has just read that 50% of Americans for example, don't know any Christians to ask so doesn't think that is the way forward..  More debates ahead I think. I would be interested to read any comments on this posted here.  This afternoon I indulged in one of the usual Bank Holiday pursuits - gardening- and mowed the two internal lawns.  In the heat it was quite hard work but satisfying.  The green bin is already two-third full of greenery and I have just seen the grass on the bank which also needs a serious cut - the penalty for going away for the best part of a week.

Salvation - Like Sinking in the Mud

I went to St. John’s Church this morning (8 am Eucharist) which was taken by the curate, Andrew who spoke about the Sabbath and that resting on Sundays means doing things that you like to do – to take time out – not necessarily doing nothing.  Sara and Mary went to St. Paul’s in Salisbury this morning (Mary really enjoying it especially as the children are encouraged to join in and the worship songs were ones she knew from Spring Harvest).  I spent the morning working on the Evensong service which I am taking at Whaddon this evening.  Lunch today was BBQ chicken which I cooked on the BBQ outside – it being another warm summer’s day.  I wasn’t preaching at Whaddon this evening – just leading – and I had chosen four well known hymns and wrote the intercessions.  The reading were all quite long and the Roman Catholic Deacon preached (as well as playing the piano which certainly enlivened the worship).  A nice service – even if I say so myself – and I came away feeling quite uplifted – especially by the Deacon’s wonderful sermon in which he described salvation as being like Jesus jumping into quicksand to save a sinking man and going under the mud and dying as a result in order to push the sinking man from a certain death.  He likened the crucifixion to this.  A really strong illustration which I have written down in my journal and may use myself on a future occasion.  Back home, Richard had called and I joined him at 9 p.m. at an unusually full Lion’s Head. Apparently the cricket team were in and they had sent out for a Chinese takeaway.  Richard and I were given some prawn crackers and spring rolls as we drank our beer on a separate table.  I felt quite uplifted today – thanks a great deal to John’s sermon – and shall sleep well tonight.

Back to St. Mary's

Woke up back in Winterslow this morning and had a fairly relaxed morning at home.  I hoisted the Saints flag in anticipation of their first home game of the season against Sunderland.  Thom and I left for Southampton quite early at 12 noon and just after we parked my car at the solicitors’ car park we use another car pulled up and park next to us.  No problem but there is no guarantee that we would have got parked as often other cars park right across the entrance.  It was good to be back at St. Mary’s and see our old friends – although only “my Andy” and family were there – not “Thom’s Andy” and we wonder whether they have renewed their season tickets.  It was not a great game this afternoon – Sunderland scored in the third minute and Southampton had to wait all the way through the game until the 88^th minute to get the equaliser.  Southampton have managed, therefore, to secure four points from their first two game and tonight they lie 5^th in the Premier League.  A great start to the season although I do hope they play better as the season progresses.

 

Farewell Liverpool

My last day on Merseyside and the last day of my short holiday in the north of England.  Malcolm left for the office leaving Sam and me in the flat.  I spent a leisurely morning packing and updating my blog before leaving myself at around 11 a.m.  I drove to Speke Hall, a Tudor house built in 1598, close to Liverpool Airport. As a National Trust property I was granted free admission and spent an hour and a half looking around the house and gardens.  After a quick stop at Morrison's to top up on fuel for the car and buy a sandwich, I set off for the long trek back down to Wiltshire.  Hearing that the motorway system seemed to be jammed up with Bank Holiday traffic heading south with a smattering of accidents to add to the mayhem, I decided to take the more leisurely and pleasanter route down through the Marches - dipping in and out of Wales several times and going through Shrewsbury, Hereford and Monmouth and over the Severn Bridge returning to Winterslow via Chippenham and Devizes.  It was warm and muggy when I arrived back so I had a lovely shower and a glass or two of pink Cava to celebrate Thom's success in getting his grades to go to Peter Symonds. I found it hard to get to sleep tonight and watched a documentary on The Who's making of Quadrophenia - one of my favourite albums of the 70s.  This was followed by a concert given recently by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend.  More nostalgia.  It's been quite a week of nostalgia with visits to Grimsby, Liverpool and memories of the 1970s.

Ferry 'cross the Mersey/GCSE Results Day

Woke up reasonably early this morning and updated my blog whilst enjoying a cup of tea – that first cup is so essential in the morning.  A big day – GCSE results, and Malcolm and Sam were going into his school at 9.30 am. To get them and Thom and Sara were going into Test Valley School to get his results.  I stayed in Malcolm’s flat this morning working on Sunday’s service whilst waiting for the results.  Thom has got the grades he needs to go to Peter Symonds Sixth Form College to study history and Sam has done well also.  No surprises or disappointments so both Malcolm and I are pleased and proud of our lads.  I walked down to St. Michael’s Station at midday and bought a day rover ticket for £4.80 which includes use of train, bus and ferry.  I caught the train into Liverpool Central Station and walked down Church Street and Lord Street down to the Pier Head (which has changed out of all recognition from when I lived here in the 70s).  I spent a couple of hours in the new Museum of Liverpool (which is free) and was amazed at all the wonderful exhibits – but especially an extended section on the Liverpool Overhead Railway with a complete carriage on a re-constructed section which you can go inside as well as a 3-D relief map showing the course of the railway.  There are wonderful views from viewing galleries of Liverpool’s Three Graces and looking up river as well as across to Wallasey and the ferries.  After the museum I went on a river cruise down the Mersey on MV Royal Iris (formerly MV Mountwood when I lived here) to the lower docks and then across to Wallasey where I disembarked for a closer look at St. Paul’s Church which has had its truncated spire restored.  By this time it was 4 p.m. and I had not eaten so I bought some snacks from Morrisons.  I caught a bus from Seacombe Ferry to Woodside (Birkenhead) which took me a long way around the East Float Docks via Birkenhead Park to Woodside where I caught a ferry (the same MV Royal Iris) back to Liverpool.  MV Snowdrop (formerly MV Woodchurch) had also come into service and was crossing to Wallasey as we set off for Liverpool.  The third of the trio (MV Royal Daffodil – formerly MV Overchurch) was seen in East Float, Birkenhead from the bus.  One ferry is usually always held in reserve.  I returned to St. Michael’s on the Merseyrail underground via James St., Moorfields, Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations.  This evening, Malcolm, Sam and I drank some sparkling wine, which I had apparently brought quite some time ago, to celebrate his GCSE results and then we enjoyed a seventeen dish mezza meal at our favourite Greek restaurant in Lark Lane.  Malcolm and Sam are off to Bristol and Truro to visit relations tomorrow and I shall leave around late morning, visiting Speke Hall (National Trust) over lunchtime and will probably drive back down south through Wales and having a look at Tintern Abbey (if there is time).  It’s been a lovely break away from Wiltshire.

From coast to coast

A really busy day today including a journey from coast to coast.  I was up at a much more respectable time today – 7 a.m. and made tea for myself and Mum although Mum was up even earlier and had had a bath.  Weather warm and muggy but dry.  After a breakfast of boiled gammon and tomato, she went off to the hairdresser’s in her car and I drove into Grimsby town centre to purchase 10 lbs of excellent Lincolnshire sausages from a tradition (and long established butchers).  After this purchase I stopped off at Tesco near Corporation Road Bridge and bought flowers to take to Mim.  I called in on Auntie Mim in Cleethorpes at about 11 a.m. and spent about three-quarters of an hour with her.  Her grandson’s girlfriend called as she was going off to collect her pension and visit Jim, her grandson, who is suffering from a severe brain tumour.  We have him in our daily prayers at church. I was back at Mum’s by about 12 noon and went to Marklew’s for fish and chips for our lunch – they were truly excellent – piping hot, fresh and tasty. I am afraid driving around Grimsby these last few days has been amazingly depressing – the town is a shadow of its former self and very scruffy and dirty.  The fish and chips are a beacon in an environment of gloom. Mum had a hospital appointment this afternoon and she set off in her car at around 1.30 p.m. and I also set off for Liverpool but not before a cyclist collided with my wing mirror as I was sitting in the car setting the satnav.  Fortunately I was able to piece it together but he has left a small impact mark.  I drove over to Liverpool via Scunthorpe, Goole and onto the M62 across the Pennines.  I arrived in Liverpool at 4 p.m. after a fantastic journey of just 2 hours and 20 minutes.  The new car was purring along.  Had a short stroll along Otterspool Promenade after coffee at the Mersey Shopping Centre at Speke. Tonight dinner with my host Malcolm and spiritual adviser, Chris, at the light of Bengal Indian restaurant on Aigburth Road where we talked about church matters, our respective sons’ hopes and aspirations for tomorrow’s GCSE results and, inevitably, cricket.  A pleasant and full day today.  So pleased to hear, this evening, that Mum is feeling so much better after my visit to Grimsby.

A day in Grimsby (and Cleethorpes)

I didn’t wake up this morning until 8.45 am and slept soundly through the night – although I was snoring loudly!  I think I must have been really tired due to having had a lot of late and disturbed nights recently and I am no longer used to driving long journeys of 250 miles or more.   Mum made us a breakfast of smoked haddock with poached egg.  I had a fairly lazy morning writing up my blog and updating my status on Facebook and reading my devotionals.  I took Mum out in the car, late morning, into Grimsby town centre to pay a bill and visit her bank (which being the Halifax was also useful as I had a cheque to pay into my own Halifax account).  We had coffees at Café Nero in Binns and then visited Poundland and finally Ron Ramsden’s where she bought a small radio to be able to listen to the Test Match in her car.   After a snack lunch of ham buns (rolls), a sausage roll and strawberries with condensed milk (yummy) I painted Mum’s wall with terracotta emulsion paint where the wall had been re-plastered following a damp problem.  I was really pleased with my work as the fresh paint blended in so well with the existing wall.  Later in the afternoon I went for a lovely stroll into Cleethorpes – walking through Sidney Park past the pond where I regularly fell in when sailing my model boats and on to Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town FC.  I crossed over Fuller Street railway bridge onto the promenade which runs alongside the Humber Estuary where the tide was high.  I sat down for a while and watched the waves gently lapping against the hard and also watched a few ships sail by in the middle of the estuary.  Tonight I took Mum for a carvery meal at the Trawlerman in North Sea Lane - £3.99 for a turkey and beef roast meal washed down by a pint of Marston’s Pedigree for £2.60 (it costs £3.60 with member’s 10% discount at the Ageas Bowl). A lovely and fulfilling day.  Tomorrow a visit to Auntie Mim’s and a trip over to Liverpool.

Up to Grimsby

Up early this morning and after showering completed my packing in readiness for my trip up north to Lincolnshire and Liverpool – the first great test for my new car.  I cooked a few German sausages for breakfast and dealt with some urgent correspondence before leaving home at around 11 a.m.  I did a couple of hours  of chaplaincy duty at the Alabare Drop-In Centre, also delivering to them some of our old mugs and some new socks for the homeless – apparently both are needed and well-received by the service users.  There were no “customers” today but it was very busy at one point with a number of service users coming for their pasta bake lunch and there were also three dogs here today – one with only three legs.  I finally left the Drop-In Centre at around 1.30 p.m. and was on my way up north via Newbury, Oxford, Coventry, Leicester, Newark, Lincoln and finally Grimsby. Had a clear road most of the way and the new Kia is a dream to drive – smooth and fast.  I will really have to watch my speed as it so easily creeps up over the limit.  Although the Mercedes was 2 litres and this only 1.6 litres, it seems much more powerful – possibly it is a lighter car.  Really enjoyed driving it.  Spent the evening eating cheese and biscuits and drinking wine whilst watching Emmerdale Farm and Coronation Street, neither of whose plots I have any idea about.  Mindless drivel to me! There was, later, a really interesting programme about the British Empire Medal and how the recipients are chosen.  To me, many of them deserve higher awards but it is pleasing to see that the BEM has been re-introduced so that people who would otherwise get nothing are finally recognised.  Early to bed for me tonight – 11.30 p.m. although I read a couple of interesting articles from my Reader magazine – one on “Evangelistening” and the other about  how we should minister to those on the fringes – non-Churchgoing Christians.  I feel an interesting debate at some time in the future.

Mary returns home

A much more "ordinary" day today.  A much more leisurely morning - I wasn't preaching or taking a service anywhere today so Sara and I went to St. Paul's Church in Salisbury where we could just sit quietly as ordinary members of the congregation.  It was a much shorter service than normal with a short sermon as the children remained in the church - there are no children's groups in August apparently.  The songs this morning were all unfamiliar and largely action songs for the children.  The youth group had been away at Soul Survivor in Shepton Mallet and returned by coach just as the service was ending.  We didn't stay for refreshments but went to Waitrose to fill my car up with fuel for the journey to Lincolnshire tomorrow and we stopped off at Homebase to buy some weedkiller and a light bulb for Thom's bedroom.  I did some gardening at the front (weeding) this afternoon and cleaned my car.  I also began packing for my journey tomorrow.  Mary arrived back from Scotland this evening - her flight being delayed, she didn't get back home until around 11.30 p.m.  She's had a good time there but was glad to be home. Apparently her friend's mother doesn't drive and so she spent most of her week in and around Alloa, walking their dog, and she didn't get to Edinburgh city centre as she had hoped.  Next time I'll probably drive her up there and we'll have a few days looking around places.  Richard called at 9 p.m. and we went down to the Lion's Head for a couple of hours.  Hardly anyone in there again.  If the Lord Nelson opens on a Sunday then I think that the Lion may have problems.

Another Day for Nostalgia - on board MS Queen Elizabeth

What a wonderful day!  I was up early today, Thom did his paper round and we both had sausage and bacon rolls for breakfast.  After showering, we drove into Salisbury and picked up our dear friend Serena who was to take us on board the new Cunarder, MS Queen Elizabeth.  We arrived in good time at the new Ocean Terminal in the Ocean Dock (previously White Star Dock) at the berths opposite the old Queens’ Terminal often reserved for SS Leviathan and RMS Majestic in the past. After surrendering our passports and being given passes, and the obligatory security check, we went on board arriving at the Great Lobby.  What a wonderful first impression – a big vase of flowers, grand piano and marvellous art-deco furnishing everywhere.  From the external modern ship back into the elegant age of ocean travel.  I really can’t describe, in this limited space, the wonders of this ship but it has been designed in a way which reminded me very much of the dear old QE2 which many artefacts having been taken off her – including the ship’s bell.  We wandered the length and breadth of the ship – even being shown inside a cabin – sorry, stateroom, and visited the spa, external sports courts, library, Queen’s Room, Royal Theatre, pub, card room, smoking room, casino, garden pavilion, restaurants, shopping mall etc. etc.  Floods of nostalgia came over me – the sites and smells reminding me so much of my five transatlantic crossings on the QE2.  We had an excellent lunch on board – roast beef from the biggest joint I have ever seen – a quarter of a cow at least!  spooned stilton cheese, New York cheesecake etc. etc.  We sat by a window overlooking the River Test and the other liner in dock – Celebrity Eclipse.  To round off the day, Southampton FC beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at The Hawthorns but Hampshire failed to beat Surrey in the T20 Semi-final at Edgbaston.  That would have made it perfect.  Still, a brilliant day – a second day of pure nostalgia.  Thom and Sara now want to save up for a transatlantic crossing to New York – which we would have to take onboard RMS Queen Mary 2.

An Afternoon of Nostalgia

For some strange reason, today felt like a Saturday – I think it was not going to Ambassadors’ Breakfast Club and being free from any studying.  My original plan today had been to visit Seaton with Thom and ride on the narrow gauge trams up and down the Ax Estuary but it was raining heavily this morning and Thom wasn’t feeling in the mood for a trip to Devon. He decided to stay at home and spend the day tidying his bedroom (which wasn’t done!)  Instead, I decided to go an investigate a museum which I had read about in Basingstoke – the Milestones Museum which is an indoor heritage museum dedicated to life and work in Hampshire. As it is only 40 minutes drive from where we live it is odd that I haven't been there before.  I was really amazed at what there was there.  At first it doesn’t look too big but when you discover that most of it is below ground you then appreciate its vastness.  They have created a whole town complete with factories, railway station, tram depot, streets with shops, offices, back street industries and so on.  They even have a seaside pier section with many of the amusement machines I remember playing on in places like Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe, Skegness, Hunstanton and Great Yarmouth – but, in particular, Cleethorpes. I saw in a section on collectibles a camera which my mother used to use to take photos when I was a toddler; my first calculator, a square egg press and many other items, too many to mention here, from my childhood.  A fantastic collection.  There was also a Portsmouth tram and one of Portsmouth’s open top Leyland Titan TD1s.   A really fantastic day of nostalgia.  After a cup of tea and cake in the shop I drove to Alresford to see the last train of the day arrive – a Schools Class Southern Railway locomotive – 925 – “Cheltenham”.  Unfortunately it was in the guise of Henry the green Engine.  Also on display was Southampton Corporation No. 71, a Guy Arab IV disguised as Bertie the Bus.  Oh dear!.  A wonderful day full of nostalgia.  More nostalgia tomorrow I hope when we go on board MS Queen Elizabeth.

Final limited over cricket game - another win for Hampshire

Not a particularly pleasant start to today - raining this morning, but still warm.  Rio (our great nephew who stayed over last night) was up early and I gave him some breakfast cereal.  He is such a polite little boy and always says please and thank you.  Thom did his paper round this morning. Later in the day, Sara took Rio back and she and Thom went off to look around Stonehenge with our National Trust cards.  I drove to Southampton where I met an old colleague from Friends day, Nigel G, at the Ageas Bowl and we spent the late afternoon and evening together watching Hampshire v. Surrey. Surrey batted first and put on 219 for 9 (quite a slow rate) followed by Hampshire winning by 3 wickets (220 for 7) after Carberry was bowled out in the first over for just 1 (followed in the second over by Vince (also for 1).  The bowling was quite slow on both sides and we didn't finish the game until 10.45 p.m. Nigel and I had plenty of time to chat about old times and how the company and former colleagues were now faring.  Nigel left me almost immediately after the game had finished as he had pared his car in the public car park about 500 yards away whilst I stopped and had a coffee before returning to my own car which was parked in the members' car park.  This is the last limited over game for Hampshire at the Bowl this season unless they have the quarter final of the YB40 competition here.  Just a few days of County Championship cricket left.  Mikey Roberts was on the scorecard to play today but his place was taken by Ervine.  I rang his father, a friend of ours, on my mobile to discover that he was downstairs from us in the Executive Suite.  We went downstairs and spent a quarter of an hour or so chatting with Michael who is taking up the offer of a partnership in the Cayman Islands. Very damp weather as we left this evening.  Rain predicted over the next few days so my intended trip to Seaton tomorrow may be postponed.

Rickie's debut for England

An unsettled day, weather-wise with rain, quite heavy, at times.  Sara did her stint at Morning Star and I walked to the shop to buy bread rolls and a newspaper for this afternoon horse-racing.  At lunchtime we drove into Salisbury for Thom to put some money into his bank account and for me to deliver my last completed portfolio to Church House.  A great sigh of relief as I left it there.  No more essays or studying until 16th September!  We arrived at Salisbury Racecourse at around 1.30 p.m. and stayed for five races.  Being a family day, the racecourse was packed in all three areas - we going in the cheap grandstand area - and we had to park in the overflow car park.  Not a very successful afternoon - Thom lost his £5 and of the £10 of bets I placed I won £4.50 back - so we were both about £5 down on the day betting-wise.  The weather turned out to be a typical British summer - chilly and damp and Sara was shivering.  After the fifth race, and a small win of £2.50 for me, we drove to Southampton Road and bought some items from Lidl and Matalan (trousers and top for Thom and some cheap socks to give to the homeless at Alabare Place).  Tonight England played Scotland in a "Friendly" at Wembley with Southampton's Rickie Lambert substituting for Wayne Rooney when the score was 2-2.  Within three minutes of coming on Rickie scored the winning goal for England.  We Southampton fans are absolutely ecstatic.  We have been chanting "Rickie for England" for some time now.  We all feel so proud of him.  He was grinning from ear to ear - an amazing debut.  Let's hope he can repeat this at The Hawthorns on Saturday.  Richard and I spent the evening at the Lord Nelson where we received reports on the progress of the match from the other bar.  An enjoyable first day free of studies.

School's Out - At Last!

A red letter day today.  I decided that I would finally blitz the last portfolio, get it finished today to leave me four wonderful weeks free from any study.  Sara had a meeting in Andover this morning and was uncertain how to get to the venue so I agreed to drive her in her car, drop her off, fill the car with petrol and then find a quite café somewhere for a light breakfast and coffee and work on my little netbook.  After filling up with fuel at Tesco I parked in my usual free parking space and sat in Jenny’s Café where I had a bacon bap and a cappuccino and worked on my summative reflection – the last bit of the portfolio.  I wrote over 500 words and was feeling quite pleased with the result when the computer decided to upgrade its software and closed down on me destroying the work I had done (or so I thought at the time!).  Not feeling too happy, I picked up Sara and we returned home.  I locked myself in the family room and re-wrote the reflection and finally completed and printed off this last portfolio to hand into Church House.  Free at last – no more theological writing other than the odd sermon. It’s a great feeling to think that I have now completed all my academic study and work prior to licensing and have completed 50% of my foundation degree course.  Tonight Sara went to a “Pampered Chef” party in Redlynch and I made a few phone calls including one to Mum.  She feels that she is not well enough to come to the licensing which is such a pity.  I do understand her situation as she would have to be away from home for several days.  I’ve promised to send her some photos and will also try and get up to Grimsby before then.

England win the Ashes convincingly

A pleasant but cooler day today.  After working on my portfolio this morning I did my lunchtime stint as chaplain at Alabare Place.  They were short staffed today so I helped sort out some donated clothes and assisted some of the service users to find something that they might like.  I also ran an errand to Tesco for bread for them to make sandwiches and toast – a permanent facility for anyone just dropping in.  I am now becoming a regular feature for the service users and they are beginning to come and talk to me, which is very rewarding.  Met a nice guy from the north-east and we were able to chat about places which we both knew.  I find that if you can have something in common – even if it is only a fleeting knowledge of a place where somebody has lived or was brought up – you immediately have something in common in which to strike up a conversation which could lead to a openness in the future.  Back home I continued working whilst also keeping a watchful eye on the Test Match.  Five Australian wickets fell this afternoon for just thirteen runs and England have noe won the Ashes outright – 3 games won, one drawn.  Received a phone call tonight from an old colleague at Friends. He is currently on holiday in the New Forest so we have agreed to meet up on Thursday at the Ageas Bowl and watch the cricket match together. 

 

A Big Sunday for us all

An important day today for me as my training officer/mentor was visiting West Dean Church to observe me leading and preaching so that he could report back to the diocese and, hopefully, sign me off as competent to be licensed in September.  There were 14 in the congregation this morning including Sara and three of my support group who had come along specially to give me moral support.  The service followed the usual pattern for Common Worship Morning prayer and I delivered a 15 minute sermon on the theme of Abraham and his call from God where he was asked to look up into the heavens and try and count the stars.  A copy of the sermon can be found at http://pulpitmichael.blogspot.com. After the service my mentor spent about fifteen minutes with me going through his various observations and suggestions for improvement but generally he seemed to be pleased with my performance and didn't indicate any problem.  His report will now go in my ever growing file.  I was pleased to be able to hand over to him my penultimate portfolio.  I just have to finish my pastoral care one which I intend to complete by Tuesday night. This afternoon, Thom, Richard and I spent an enjoyable afternoon at the Ageas Bowl watching Hampshire beat Essex by 30 runs in the YB40 series.  Essex won the toss and elected to field.  Hampshire finished the innings on 216 all out which seemed to be quite a small score for YB40.  However, Essex could only muster 186 runs before their last wicket fell in the penultimate over.  A good victory which places Hampshire second in the table - only 0.75 of a point behind Durham with a game in hand.  They must be favourites to win the league stage of the competition.  It was also a really big day for Mary too - she flew on her own from Southampton to Edinburgh to spend a week's holiday with her friend in Alloa.  Sara saw her to the airport and, unfortunately, her plane was delayed by nearly two hours.  It was good, therefore, that she had cabin crew assistance to keep an eye on her. Her flight made up time and she landed in Scotland safely and was picked up by the family she is staying with.  Such a big girl now and my pride and joy.

Saturday at Home

Another day spent at home today - in fact I did not venture off our property except to see how Sara and Thom were doing in painting a neighbour's fence.  I worked on my sermon for Sunday today in between keeping an eye on how the Fourth Test Match was progressing.  England were all out for 238 and at the end of the second day Australia were 222 for 5 with opening batsman Rogers on 101 not out. Australia look to have the upper hand but scoring is incredibly slow and there may not be enough days to produce a result.  I was pleased with my final sermon and I have now put it and the service in my service book ready for tomorrow. Important day with my portfolio mentor attending to observe how I do!  I also spent some time today working on my final portfolio which I intend to have finished by Tuesday. Still need to write a few items but I am satisfied that after all the work on the Worship one this should feel a lot easier.  Sara and I ate a healthy supper of barbecued salmon, new potatoes and salad - very tasty indeed.  Sara is pleased that despite eating a few unhealthy things (e.g. our Indian meal on Tuesday night) she hasn't put on any eight but is in fact slowly losing it.  Good for her.  Busy day tomorrow so I think an early night is called for - although I might just do a little bit more on my portfolio.  Mary has gone with friends to the Firsdown Music Festival and won't be home until after the fireworks.  all the years we've lived down here - we've still not gone to this Festival which features local musicians "doing their thing".

In the line of fire

A sultry day today but a profitable one.  I worked hard in the morning and finally completed my Worship Portfolio which I can now give to my mentor when I meet him on Sunday when he comes to assess me taking the service at West Dean.  Such a relief to get it finished.  I still need to write my sermon for Sunday – on the theme of having faith – but have set aside tomorrow to do that.  Watched a bit of the Fourth Test Match from Chester-le-Street this morning and Thom and I spent an hour this afternoon up at Barry’s Fields playing cricket – which reminded me that I am not a very good bowler but still have my eye in as a batsman.  It was a very pleasant hour and reminded me the time I used to play cricket in the back garden in Grimsby – where my love of cricket originated.  I am looking forward to spending an afternoon at the Ageas Bowl on Sunday afternoon – after I have led the service at West Dean.  It will be so relaxing.  This evening Sara and I watched the movie “In the Line of fire” starring Clint Eastwood.  I recalled having seen the ending before but had never seen the film the whole way through.  Great film and an enjoyable way to end the day.

Working on my Worship Portfolio

A quiet day at home today in which I blitzed the Worship Portfolio in the study.  I was determined to complete it before Sunday when I can give it to my portfolio mentor who is coming along to observe me lead and preach at West Dean.  In fact, I didn't quite get it finished but did work until 1.30 a.m. by which time all that remained to be done was to complete the "gifts and competencies" page and finally print and file the document ready to hand in.  Such a relief.  The whole thing will be done before lunchtime tomorrow after which I can relax a bit.  The very final portfolio, Exercising Pastoral Care is already about 40% complete, and shouldn't take too long to do at all - certainly completed by the middle of next week - then some free time - about a month - until the new term starts.  Only Jane joined us for house Group tonight but we had a really interesting chat about Ecclesiastes and she shared her experiences of going to New Wine - a more Charismatic version of Spring Harvest which I am not sure I would particularly like.  Nottinghamshire failed to beat Essex tonight at Trent Bridge and Hampshire have been drawn against Surrey in the Semi-Final of the T20.   So, if they get through that they will face either Northamptonshire or Essex in the Final. 

Carberry 100 Not Out - Hampshire through to Finals Day

The weather was warm and dry today and I spent most of the day at home.  Sara did her stint at Morning Star and I stayed at home and worked in the study on preparing the service for West Dean on Sunday and also completing the bibliography for my worship portfolio which I want to complete for Sunday 11th August to give to my mentor at the West Dean service.  This afternoon and evening, Thom and I went to the Ageas Bowl to see Hampshire take on Lancashire in the quarter-final of the T20 competiton.  Lancashire won the toss and elected to field first.  Hampshire scored a whopping 202 runs with Carberry carrying the bat and getting his 100 on the very last ball.  Lancashire put on a fantastic performance in reply and the game ended with them scoring 201 - a win by Hampshire of only one run!  A massive 403 runs and just seven wickets in only 3 hours of cricket.  Imagine that at a Test Match! Wonderful entertainment and so glad to see Carberry get his hundred.  It was a really enjoyable evening especially in the company of Thom who has really started to understand and enjoy the game - it would be great if he could join the Winterslow Cricket club as they are looking for new players and I think he would be a good bowler.

Indian Meal with Friends

A day at home today - in fact the car didn't move out of the drive all day.  Mary spent today with her friend Lucy in Salisbury and stayed overnight with her and her family.  Thom did his two paper rounds this morning and Sara took Mary into Salisbury and did some errands of her own.  Thom and I watched the first quarter-final of the T20 competition between Surrey and Somerset at the Oval which resulted in a win for Surrey.  The later match, between Northamptonshire and Durham ended with a win for Northamptonshire - so the first two teams are through to Finals Day at Edgbaston.  Hampshire play Lancashire tomorrow night and Thom and I have tickets for the game at the Ageas Bowl - although we won't be able to make the Finals Day even if they get through tomorrow night.  This evening Sara and I joined Mandy and Stuart for an excellent dinner at the Indian restaurant, Purbani, in Stockbridge.

Rain stops play - England retain the Ashes

The weather was very changeable today - starting bright but the afternoon.  I worked in the study in the early morning and then went to Alabare Place Drop-In Centre to do my stint as the chaplain there.  I spent about three hours there helping the staff and chatting to one or two of the service users.  After that I spent a couple of hours working in the library of Sarum College on the worship portfolio. Sara and Mary had intended to go strawberry picking this afternoon but the rain put an end to that adventure.  It was good to meet my old work colleague, Derek, at The Boathouse for a shandy and a chat after I had done my stint at Sarum College.  Derek filled me in with the comings and goings at my old workplace and it seems things are all changing once again.  I am so pleased to be venturing into pastures new right now.  We both discussed our mutual interests in World War II history (particularly the war in Europe) and football and we are both hoping that our respective teams (Southampton and Norwich) will have a good season in the Premier League.  I had to dash off at the end of what could have been a very long and enjoyable evening so I could attend a meeting of Winterslow Parish Council. It was quite a long meeting too with 23 items on the agenda not to mention public question time and quite a few matters arising.  Thom's artwork for a Parish Council logo was met with early approval although time did not permit a longer debate.  The poor weather in the afternoon did, at least, have one positive effect - The Ashes game was abandoned at 3 p.m. this afternoon resulting in a draw and this means that England retain the Ashes - until the winter at least! Also, the match between Hampshire and Glamorgan ended in a mutual decision by the captains to bring the game to a close and share the points.  Hampshire still remain sixth in the league table and don't look likely to get promotion to the First Division. At the moment they definitely look like a limited over team. 

Seeing an old naval friend

A cooler day today but without rain - here at least.  Sara and I went to All Saints Church this morning for the Parish Eucharist where I delivered the Intercessions and acted as a chalice bearer.  It was good to see our friends the Mooreys in church today - on leave from Bahrain - and I arranged to join Chris with Richard at the Lion's Head tonight to catch up on things.  I spent a good part of the day, once back from church, gardening - mowing the two lawns and doing some weeding - the green bin is now full!  The Ashes test match was brought to a sudden halt this afternoon with Australia trying to add on some more runs before declaring. Bad light and then torrential Manchester rain seem to be England's saviour and so a draw now seems inevitable unless Australia can bowl out England on the last day for less than 330-odd runs.  Time doesn't appear on their side especially with more rain predicted.  The Hampshire game also looks to be heading for a draw - Glamorgan having a lead of 120 and Hampshire slowly plugging away in the second innings.  Mary's flight to Edinburgh has now been booked and she will be accompanied on both flights by cabin crew.  It's exciting for her to be flying on her own from Southampton to Edinburgh.  A pleasant evening tonight in the Lion with Richard and Chris and we were able to bring Chris up to date with all the gossip (news).  He has another year to do in Bahrain then probably a further two before he leaves the navy.  He hopes to retire to Winterslow or close by.

A Day of Steady Cricket

A fairly warm day today although rain had been threatened.  I spent the morning sorting our some paperwork and helped Thom to find a few houses in the village on the paper round he is doing for somebody who is on holiday.  Some of the numbering in Saxon Leas, Winterslow, can be confusing but together (I know the area through delivering Christian Aid envelopes) we in about 20 minutes - me finding the houses and Thom delivering the papers.  Just before midday I set off for the Ageas Bowl in Southampton to watch the second day of the County Championship game against Glamorgan.  I watched Hampshire bat their last few balls and saw them finish their innings at 349 all out.  After lunch Glamorgan put on 226 runs for 4 by the time stumps were drawn.  As I watched this game I also listened to Test Match Special from the Third Ashes Test Match at Old Trafford on my little Roberts personal sports radio - which I always carry with me. At the same time I also kept watch on the scores in the Football League (league football formally starting again today). Portsmouth lost badly to Oxford United, both Bournemouth and Reading won their games.  At Old Trafford, England managed to bat on with Pietersen scoring 113 runs which will help England avoid the follow-on.  However, Australia remain in a commanding position but will need to bat quickly and then hope to get England out quickly if the follow-on is avoided and if they have any hope of winning the match.  Anything other than a win for them will mean that England retain the Ashes and they will have to wait until England go "down under" before they can have another crack at winning them..

New Car - Well Re-Registered at least!

No chaplaincy duties today as I have swapped Fridays for Mondays during the school holidays.  Sara did her stint at the Lord Nelson which had a very busy lunchtime today.  Mary I went to Andover to bank some cheques at HSBC then on to Chippenham to have my personal number plate fixed to my new car in replace of its original registered plate.  The whole process took about 20 minutes and we then drove up to the White Horse in Westbury and enjoyed the view from the top - looking across to Trowbridge and Melksham and the Severn Estuary. The picture shows my newly re-registered car at the car park on top of the hill.  It was so clear and a really delightful view.  Afterwards we drove down to Warminster and shared a portion of fish and chips on a bench in the town's main car park. This evening went to a friends house for a "girls' night in" and Thom and I watched the first game of the new football season - League 1 - Sheffield United v. Notts County which Sheffield won by 2-1.  I ended the evening by watching The Ashes highlights on TV.  Australia declared on 527-7 with England chasing.  At the end of the day England were 52-2 in reply.  Australia are certainly in command of this Test and could make something of the Series. 

The Hottest Day of the Year - So Far!

The hottest day this year - 34 degrees apparently.  A quiet day at home as it was so hot today - I really don't like this hear when it is also so muggy too.  I phoned Mum and had a chat with her - she remains in pain and it seems unlikely that she'll be able to come to my 60th Birthday and Licensing Celebration in September - which would be such a pity.  Tonight Sara and I attended Ambassadors' Summer BBQ at the Grasmere House Hotel in Harnham.  An absolutely perfect evening for such an event - excellent food and outdoor games afterwards - skittles, boules, jenga and pick-up-sticks.  A really unusual but pleasant English summer evening with a magnificent view of the cathedral across the water meadows.  Mary went to the cinema this evening with the daughter of a business colleague of Sara's to see Smurfs 2.  We called in at her house in Laverstock after the BBQ to pick up Mary and have a coffee.  Really muggy again tonight and it was, once again, hard to sleep.