I was pondering (as I was driving along the road one day) on how things aren't always what they seem. If you see a UK number plate, don’t assume the driver and passenger are British: they could be Irish citizens living in England who are on a visit to see the family back here. Likewise cars with Irish number plates from Cork (say) are not necessarily local – they could be like me, from across the water but living and working here. We see a number of tourists driving around – we recognise the Dutch and German number plates. So where are all the rest, the Americans, Australians and the rest of Europe? They may well be in hired cars – those new looking ones with 04 D number plates, being driven so carefully because the driver is used to the right hand side of the road. But a 04 D car could also be a Dubliner on a trip down here. Don’t ever assume anything, as things aren’t always what they seem. This applies to relationships and all of life as we look around us.
Whilst on the theme of roads: do you know why we drive on the left hand side and that this is a more ancient custom than driving on the right? Well, in the good old days when men (and no doubt a few women) used swords. Swords were generally in the right hand, if you were right handed. On meeting an enemy or stranger you were suspicious of, down a dark and narrow lane or boreen, you would draw your sword with the right hand and it would be easier to defend yourself if you were on the left of the track. Napoleon however was left-handed and such was his influence in France that the fashion to travel and pass on the right hand side grew up. This was reflected later in the manufacturing of cars. (So I’ve been told.)
The Busman’s holiday. Canon Norman and Janet Chatfield both enjoyed their fortnight at the Rectory and everyone enjoyed Norman’s sermons, which I knew they would! So that was good. I know farmers say they never get a proper break away from the farm and I do realise the huge number of problems that could arise. But I just wonder if there is any scheme similar to that of retired clergy who do locums or house for light duty, for farmers? I can hear all the hollow laughter at this naïve suggestion, but just to swap farmhouses with someone in another country and have neighbours keep an eye on things could be considered. However a real holiday is completely getting away from it all – which is so important.
We wish David Llewellyn safe journey as he (intrepid as ever) goes to his daughter in Canada for two months.
Warden of Readers The Bishop has asked me to be Warden of Readers, which I have accepted. Most clergy have to take on extra diocesan work and this is similar to some work I was doing some years ago when helping with the training of Readers in England. I look forward to getting to know all Readers in the Diocese.
Summer Celebrations The summer here in this Union will see a number of celebrations starting with the wedding of Janet Ross and Colin Barrett at Desertserges on 3rd July. At the time of writing not all the baptism dates are finalised but will be announced locally. We then look forward to the wedding of Mary O’Sullivan and John Wilson at Farranthomas on 4th September. The following day, 5th September, is the date set for this year’s Confirmations at Kinneigh. Classes are throughout the summer.
St Paul’s Parish Centre Congratulations to Lily and Jean on getting the hall floor renewed. Our thanks go to Ed Canen for making a wonderful job of sanding down and giving several layers of varnish. It has mad a huge difference to the general appearance of the hall.
We do ask that all users of the hall leave it as they would wish to find it.
We were sad to hear of the death of the Reverend John Haworth who was incumbent for Kinneigh and Ballymoney 1972-6. Our best wishes go to his wife and family.