Thursday 22 October 2015

The week in Gainford

Sad farewells

On Sunday we said our farewells to Martin and Louise and sent them with our best wishes to Tynemouth.'Will you now be our Vicar' was the repeated question. 'No', I said, 'I am old'. i pointed out that our experienced churchwardens are in charge and I will lend a hand as health permits. The morning family service was joyfully chaotic and the band coped well with a congregation who decided not to follow the speed of the band and a large group of children banging drums, obliviously unaware of anyone else. It was fun! The evening service attracted a nearly full church and  there were the usual presentations, speeches, tears, laughter, buffet and, allelluia, the congregation took their lead from organ and band.

Folk weekend

All this was proceeded by a lively weekend of dancing and song, showing the wealth of musical talent in the village and Dale. Gegenforde gave one its best performances and Scherzo (community choir) sang as though they were in the Albert Hall.

A bit of vicaring
Having denied being 'in charge', I must admit I will be taking my dog collar out of the collar box in which ny father used to keep his shirt collars, and take a few services. REV 1, my mobility scooter may be seen flying through the village when my joints fail to interpret messages from my brain to get going. So many folk have said 'don't do too much' I may have to revert to undercover work. No, Kathy has got that one covered as well.

Gainford History Group

Monday's talk was by Gary Bankhead, a full-time fireman, diver and post graduate student at Durham. His talk was fascinating as he described his diving experiences in the River Wear near Prebends bridge. One chance discovery of a trowel led to the discovery of over 5000 objects going back many centuries. The collection is extraordinary, of national importance, and part of it is displayed in the museum on Palace Green. Must be worth a visit next time we are in Durham.



Addicted to sheep

Tuesday afternoon is the time for we 'seniors' to go to the cinema at Richmond Station. We saw a lovely film called 'Addicted to Sheep'. In the North Pennines, tenant farmers of Raby Estates Tom and Kay spend their days looking after their flock of prized sheep. The film follows a year in their lives, capturing both the stark, stunning beauty of the landscape, and the brutally hard work it takes just to survive. Their three children are growing up close to the land, attending a school, Forest in Teesdale entirely comprised of farmers’ children, thoroughly immersed in their remote rural world. As the seasons change the couple help birth, groom, nurture and sell their sheep – even when the odds often seems stacked against them. Addicted to Sheep allows us to experience life on a hill farm in Teesdale.


House group

The parishes have two house groups and I joined one of them last night. We discussed material they might use and, having started as an Alpha Group, they like that style of study. I left them with some ideas to think through and share with other group members. They are quite self sufficient and will continue to meet weekly and I will join them from time to time.

Autumn has arrived

The trees have been beautiful for the last month, the leaves turning into golds and browns. Walking along the river path yesterday it was warm and sunny but the path was carpeted with leaves. In just a few days the trees will be bare and the temperature will drop. We have winter to face but in the knowledge that spring is round the corner. For those who are finding life a struggle at the moment it is important to remember that the harshness of the winter winds will give way to the buds and flowers of spring.
















 







 

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