We discovered a new pub recently. Well, we didn’t exactly discover it. Friends that we hadn’t seen for four years heard that I’d retired and suggested meeting for lunch at the “Fur and Feathers”.
It’s a delightful little Norfolk pub, with its own micro-brewery brewing Woodforde Ales and a little shop selling the ales and quite a lot of other interesting bits and pieces as well. We may pay another visit for those quirky Christmas presents for people who already have everything.
The ales are named after Parson Woodforde, an 18th century Norfolk clergyman who was famous throughout England for his enjoyment of fine food and drink. Not sure how much pastoral work he undertook, but according to his diary, he certainly went to town on his victuals.
It was a good lunch too, and lovely to meet up with old friends. And as the “Fur and Feathers” is only ten minutes away, I have a feeling that won’t be our last visit!
Ed and I went to church this morning as usual. It was the first service since I chatted with the rector about beginning to take some part in the services, scheduled to start in December.
In a lull in the middle of the service, he suddenly called me out to the front, to introduce me to the congregation. They were lovely, all smiles and very welcoming, and they applauded me! I was so surprised, but am now quite looking forward to participating. Loads of people came up and welcomed us at coffee afterwards, and for the first time, both Ed and I really felt a part of this church.
We are really pleased. But my question is this. Why does being a priest make such a difference? I’m just an ordinary person like everyone else. Why am I treated differently (better!) when I wear a dog collar?
It happened while I was sitting in church on Sunday. I suddenly realised I was ready to return to work, although in a small and very part-time sort of way.
The rector and I were both at the cathedral in the afternoon, for the installation of the new Bishop of Thetford. So I crept up to him (the rector, not the bishop)and murmured that I’d like to help out wherever he wanted me.
I’m pleased to report that he was delighted, so I’ll probably offer a couple of services a month and any funerals if he gets overloaded or they are requested on his day off.
I’m starting next month by leading one service and preaching at another (baptism) service. Then it’ll be Christmas (when I’m definitely not working, for the first time for years) and we’ll see what the new year brings.
So I only made three months off rather than six, but am kinda pleased to be going back, albeit on a voluntary basis.
Watch this space!
Never did find another wi-fi station in Western Scotland. Probably would have found many in Glasgow, but we didn’t venture that far.
Had a great week with excellent weather – bright sunshine , while the most of England was suffering under rain and floods, apparently.
Really awful journey home, though. The first day was fine. We drove all the way round the coast in glorious autumn weather, across the top of England and down the M1 to Yorkshire, where we stayed the night in a travel lodge at Wakefield. Next morning we set off fairly early, aiming to drive down the M1 until we picked up the A14, which dualled practically all the way home. Sounds good?
In fact, the M1 was closed between two junctions, so everyone was diverted off at a tiny village. Might have been all right, but the build up of traffic waiting to get off the M1 was unbelievable, with miles of tailback. So there we sat, for two hours, barely moving.
When we did eventually get off the M1, we abandoned both it and Plan A, opting for Plan B, which was single lane traffic across country all the way from west to east. Since you always get someone driving at 40 mph just in front of you when it’s single lane, it was a long journey!
But we’re home, with no accidents. Ed still has his kidney stone (now a bladder stone), but on the whole is OK. Hopefully he will get shot of it soon.
Anyway, it was a lovely break and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Here I am in Bonnie Scotland, sitting in the adult chill-out zone of Pirate Pete’s Play Area while 3-year-old granddaughter charges round like a hyped-up Olympic runner, climbing up and down nets and slides and ropes, sliding down, tumbling over mats, etc. etc. In other words, two hours of perfect peace!
Amazingly, the weather here is fine, even though the forecast was torrential rain for today. We’re in Ayre, and soon to wander along the seashore.
The scenery here in Scotland is amazing, and today we can see it! Not obscured by cloud or rain. later, we’ll return to the lodge where we’re staying, and swim in the indoor pool.
It’s a good break. Ed still hasn’t lost his kidney stone, but at least it’s comfortable and not bothering him. He looks somewhat tired and grey from time to time, but most of the time is OK.
Will blog again when I find another free wi-fi outlet!