NEWS
From the Team Vicar’s diary.
. . April/May 2007
SATURDAY
Spending a beautiful day stuck inside County Hall at a Diocesan Synod isn’t
always a pleasurable experience, but on this occasion it was so exciting that
you wouldn’t have missed it for anything. No silently letting matters
go through on the nod – everyone wanted to have a say – strong
words and strong emotions – points of order, archdeacons making amendments,
voting in houses. . . shame it doesn’t happen when we’re discussing
matters other than money! Although the presentation on Global Warming did
raise a few lively comments too.
WEDNESDAY
Manage 3 days of post Easter gardening, trying to restore some sense of order
in the chaos caused by 2 years of neglect, before ministerial duties take
over again with a sudden rush of weddings, baptisms, funerals and Annual Parochial
Church meetings.
FRIDAY
No strong words at Holne APCM - parishioners remain uncharacteristically silent.
Not sure whether that’s a good sign or a bad one. Local squirrels however
are not so reticent and continue to make all sorts of racket in the chancel
roof. Definitely a bad sign. Have to put up with the usual quips about ‘why
don’t you have them confirmed, then you’ll never see them again’.
MONDAY
Sneak another day in the garden breaking new ground and clearing up some of
the old. Am surprised by strange quacking and splashing noises and discover
to my delight that four of next doors’ very noble and saintly looking
Khaki Cambell ducks have come on a visitation to look for slugs. Tell them
they don’t need to worry about confirmation and that they’re welcome
back any time.
TUESDAY
Having made rather limited inroads on the garden, have to concentrate on visitations
of a different sort. As preparations for Holne flower festival gets into full
swing, find myself surrounded by saints and angels – they’re piled
all over the desk, on the floor, taking over the computer, coming out of the
woodwork, picking flowers . . . Halos everywhere, though some need a bit more
polishing than others. And they’ll be appearing in a church near you
very soon – it’s going to be so exciting –you wouldn’t
want to miss it for anything!
Corynne
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
At Ashburton
| Holy Baptism | ||
| 13th May | Lacey Summer Ellen Darby |
| Funerals | ||
| 24th April | Allen Neville (Andy) Dent | Aged 86yrs |
| 24th April | Paula Charmaine Smith | Aged 52yrs |
| 25th April | Lily (Lucy) Kosbab | Aged 98yrs |
| 30th April | Dawn Ann Jackson | Aged 62yrs |
| Burial of Cremated Remains |
| 25th April | Allen Neville (Andy) Dent | |
| 26th April | Lily (Lucy) Kosbab | |
| 3rd May | Dawn Ann Jackson |
| Burial in Churchyard |
| 18th April | Pamela Elma Daly | Aged 87yrs |
EDITORIAL
Those of you who read this last
month will remember that I was stuck somewhat immovably indoors following
foot surgery. The result was predictably introspective! I am pleased to report
that my surgeon has relented and I am now allowed a little movement, and therefore
not only have I been back to the hospital, but also Caroline has driven me
round town, and despite the weather, across the Moor to Chagford.
I was amazed how much has gone on during the 6 to 7 weeks I was enclosed at
home, Ashburton has a new shop and others have changed premises, all, I hope,
demonstrating continued growth in the economic well-being of the town. Much
more dramatic, however, is the wonder of God's creation. Spring arrived, happened,
and is nearly done. Since my last look, gone is winter’s grey, nature
has put on its new coat and what a profusion of flowers and myriad of fresh
green tones greeted me. For me. perhaps the current glory is the amazing spread
of bluebells displaying their beauty in the woodlands and across hillsides
on the moor. What beauty surrounds us on every side!
It was almost worth being shut inside when my return to the outdoor world
came with such a glorious welcome. I can only wonder at God's great generosity
to us.
Martin Grafton-Grattan