November 2025 (taken from The Link Magazine)

Well, the silly season appears to have started early!  Straight back for my aDORAble holiday and the feet have had to hit the ground running.  The 10 days away was HEAVEN.  Quiet campsites – gorgeous views, Dora behaved impeccably and she definitely turns heads as we park up, lots of nice comments– apart from being bogged down just once – a good variety of weather to be sure including crossing the Severn bridge in Storm Amy (well that was interesting!!).  Muffin was a good boy and we worked out our night routines to squish on the limited 2’6 bed by the end.  Far too much sleeping, not enough knitting or reading, simple food and fresh air.  I got up to Telford services by 11 pm on the Wednesday night having had a 5 hour delayed departure (neighbour thought I had a puncture….I didn’t but had it checked anyway).  My first zoom call for the ALM course was done in the services near Oxford (Lord knows what they think of my variety of backgrounds!).  Driving through Shropshire – totally lovely and I absolutely loved Wales going from Telford to Llandudno (fabulous) to the Lynne Peninsula near Pwllheli down to Fairbourne then down to Parrog near the  Dinas point.  Then a night near Salisbury on my way home.  I think I would class it as a reset holiday.  Time to think and rest. It was all so unspoilt and green.  Would definitely go again but now wondering about a ferry down to Bilbao then journey up the French coast…….not in January thou……

But back in time to celebrate the Confirmation of our Deanery church members – what a lovely, lovely service.  Bishop Ruth was a pleasure, the bun fight was great – thank you all who turned too and responded to my pleas.  Well done to our new recruits. 

Then straight into the Harvest Lunch.  (Been told off non stop from Ma for doing all the catering…nothing new there).  Sorry about the too firm potatoes and the crispy on one side dumplings (my dumplings are usually soft and spongy….) but apart from that seemed to go well.  Its always a bit stressful at serving up time – apologies if you got in the way of a bit of flack….I don’t know the answer…..what works best…as I try to avoid the cafeteria line up…..Your comments appreciated.

My ALM course is going well.  Lots of food for thought.  One of the sessions touched on the subject of the importance of feedback and as I am well aware that I can feedback probably in a far too honest manner…..I will be looking at your support as and when.  It is way out of my comfort zone - as was doing the Intercessions to begin with.  I am well aware that technically I am duty bound to take a service in the event of a nonappearance of clergy but wanted to ensure that I can do it properly plus of course with Father John taking a well earned sabbatical next year, we do need to cover the services for all your benefit.  We want to make sure that he goes away with a clear mind…………Last week the session was on preparing oneself for taking a service and the importance of daily morning and evening prayer.  Well this has stumped me for a bit as normally once awake, the mind starts chugging with what is on the agenda for the day and again at the end of the day, getting said brain to switch off…..I seem to have achieved one out of 2…..by hugging a hot water bottle to my chest, its almost like I am being given a hug from above and the prayers come more naturally.  Got to work on the mornings but have started setting the alarm clock a bit earlier to listen to Thought of the Day, so maybe getting there.  Are there ways you use to help your prayers?  I would love to know…

November ….. well here we go again.  All hands are needed on deck for the Christmas Fayre please……the Hampers will be starting soon and operation cake making on the agenda.  How can you help?  Please come forward and see Sarah or myself please.  

Please also bring your pennies to church – there is a slot at the back of church for them.

Thank you for your prayers and support as ever.

Love

Dee

Ps quotes continue for the upgrade of the Kitchen which is vital for the ongoing 5*rating from Environmental Health.  BUT  a huge extra bill of new regulations to get proper venting installed and currently the bill is in excess of £15k.  Poor Paul Ireland – sorry Paul – the intention was for a £5k spend so we need prayers and solutions to get things right in there.  Getting it right would reduce some of the stress that cooking for greater numbers triggers and as I said at PCC there is no one I hate enough to bequeath those cookers too!!! At the end of the day we rent out a facility with seating for over 80 but inadequate kitchen appliances hinder our efforts. It will reap benefits I am sure plus once replaced – well the cooker and possible new commercial fridge will not expire in my lifetime hoping I live another 30 years.

PPS The ramble does reach out to quite a few – one this week was from Jill T currently in hospital…get well soon xx our love xxx