Mornings in Jenin – A Book Review
(this review contains no plot spoilers) This is a book that deserves the widest possible reading. It covers the Palestinian - Jewish conflict through the experiences of one family over sixty years beginning before 1948, the establishment of the State of Israel and ending around 2002. The story traces the lives, loves and losses of... Continue Reading →
When Before became After
In spite of having been an English teacher I never used to like poetry. I think trying to get spotty thirteen year olds to appreciate Coleridge or Keats, ruined it for me (and probably for them). However in the last few years I admit I've been reading it for pleasure. Thank you Alison Farnell, for... Continue Reading →
Christmas in November
Yes, I know it's too early. Christmas is 5 weeks today and we've still got the whole of Advent to get through but I'm in a mood to celebrate. Many vicars dread the Christmas season and not without reason, it's a full on period with lots of extra services. But compared to this time last... Continue Reading →
Still Spaces
We have started a new "service" at St Peter and St John's Church. I use the word "service" loosely because it's more of "space" really, or in fact several 'Still Spaces'. Still Spaces at seven o'clock on Sunday evening was chosen to be a deliberately alliterative title to help anyone remember when it happens. But... Continue Reading →
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt – Book Review
This was one of those 'big, fat, chunky' book reads. At 800 pages it's one for either a quick reader or a long holiday. As it happened I was in neither of those two situations when I read it last March. I was in fact unwell. This book was a good companion through a lot... Continue Reading →
The modern fight against slavery
This morning I was forcibly struck by the relevance of ancient Hebrews writings (the Psalms) to a communication I received just yesterday in the post. For some time, we have supported the work of the International Justice Mission. I confess to not always reading the circulars and updates I receive from charities but something made... Continue Reading →
Portmeirion – beautiful but …
Yesterday I visited Portmeirion with some friends. It took me till this morning to work out what I didn't like about it. In case you don't know Portmeirion is a village constructed on a private peninsula overlooking Traeth Bach tidal estuary in North Wales. It was built by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis to show how... Continue Reading →
Of Dung-beetles and stars
This morning I read something that made me stop and say 'WOW... just WOW' "Dung beetles use the milky way to navigate" How AMAZING is that? Seriously? A tiny little insect that spends its entire life rolling around in poo is so deeply committed to moving in a straight line, it uses the stars to... Continue Reading →
“Be Happy” – yes, but how?
Is it me or has anyone else noticed that we are being bombarded by lists of instructions to 'Be happy/Be creative/Be patient' at every turn. Here is one such list I saw for sale in shop whilst on holiday These lists pop up all over the place. Twice I've seen them on shopping bags (but... Continue Reading →
