A few photographs of Pyle and Kenfig

Back to the links. . .

Since moving to Bath two years ago, I have been a member of The Park Golf Club just a few miles outside of town. I have enjoyed the course and the proximity to home. But, I have certainly missed playing 'links golf.' Well, it is the time of year when I must renew my membership. I have decided to become a 'country member' of the Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club on the Bristol Channel in Wales.

Country membership is offered to anyone that lives 60 miles or more from the club. The membership is inexpensive and offers full playing privileges except for entering club competitions (which I wouldn't do anyway). I had a similar membership at Prince's Golf Club in Sandwich when I lived in London and it was just over 100 miles.

The other benefit is that when I go to play I'll make a day of it. I have found that the closeness of the course has seriously deterred me from taking a full day off. I am excited as P and K is considered one of the best links courses in the British Isles and is a neighbour to the more famous Royal Porthcawl.

The downside is that I will have to pay a toll to cross the Severn Bridge into Wales. Welsh folks always laugh that it costs an Englishman £5 to enter Wales but they can leave for free! I did pay a toll when I ventured to Prince's at the Dartford Crossing but it was only £1 each way. But, I'll save a couple of gallons of petrol so it works out fine.

Ok. . .Harry's there, where are the Bush twins?

The Head of State of the United Kingdom's grandson is now on the frontline of the'war on terror.' When is Dubya going to allow his daughter's to enter the fray?

Earthquake!

It woke Maurene up. But we didn't have any damage at our house or in Bath!

Spring is coming! Honest, it is!

Since arriving back in Bath we have heard from family, friends and the news how brutal the midwestern winter continues to be. In fact, when we were home last month we were stranded for two days in Madison, Wisconsin when Interstate 94 was iced over.

Take heart! I took this picture at Parade Gardens today as I returned to the church after lunch with a colleague. The daffodils are in full glorious bloom. Don't let the picture deceive you though, we had the coldest night in Bath in five years just two nights ago when the temperature hit a rather frigid 22 degrees farenheit.

Yeeeeooowwww!

Focus, Rory, focus!

Rory & Company

Just a few photographs of Rory and her many admirers from our visit to Evanston during the last weekend in January

I wanted to steal the Bonekickers board, but somehow that didn't seem advisable.

Two of the actors chilling between scenes.

I don't know what this set was all about. I think it must have been someone's office. Apparently the 'green screen' is what weatherpeople stand in front of when doing the weather and then a background is added.

So this is why our television licence is so exorbitant. Look at all of these folks sitting around doing nothing.

The Beeb comes to Central URC

Central URC is a very historic building that was constructed in 1789. This past Wednesday the BBC used our building to film a portion of a new series entitled 'Bonekickers'. What was strange is that they didn't use our historic sanctuary or even our rather impressive vaults that lie beneath the building. Instead they used two rather non-descript halls and our rather modern stairway.

I wasn't allowed to photograph the actual action, but I was permitted to photograph one of the sets. The Director also let me watch the action on a monitor, but without any sound because he didn't want the plot line to be given away. I guess he didn't trust me.

Here is what I do know from hearing some ensuing conversations and what I could ascertain from the monitor. Our hall was an Islamic Study Centre and four students came in to study. Two Knights Templar or wanabee Knights Templar (at least I think that is who they were) had gained access to the centre and threatened the students with a sword.

What the stairway and the downstairs hall was used for remains a mystery. Anyway, I look forward to the screening in April. My only concern is that if Christians killed Muslims in the episode I really don't want a thank you to roll up in the credits.

One final note, our Church Treasurer is quite happy!

UK Living standards set to overtake US

The UK's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise to £23,500 per person during 2008, £250 more than the £23,250 GDP per head predicted for Americans, according to Oxford Economics.
Britons are also expected to enjoy higher living standards than both the Germans and the French, with GDP per head in the UK around 8% higher than in both of these countries, where it is expected to be £21,665 and £21,700 respectively. (from AOL)

There is only one problem with this. . .Petrol $8 per gallon; Heating bill per year $2400 without electricity; Hamburger, Fries and a Coke (not McDonald's) $11.00; Movie for 2 with popcorn and a shared drink-$26; Jar of Skippy Peanut Butter -$3; small packet of Peanut M&Ms -$1.10

And one very big plus. . .Universal Health Care -Priceless!

Fireworks display welcomes in 2008 at the London Eye.

Happy New Year!

The efforts of our hastily assembled choir raised £229 for Christian Aid on the Saturday before Christmas.

Joan Long, our 88 year-old Father Christmas.

Jessica takes a photograph that may well be used in next year's publicity materials. Was it planned or just a happy accident.

The choir is in full voice as Maurene stands in the middle. She is not a chorister.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Maurene and I wish all of my loyal readers a very Merry Christmas. As I write this we are preparing to head out for our Christmas Eve midnight services. Photos are from the activities of the last few hectic days. Jessica was the photographer for the Central URC Service of Lessons and Carols.

Say it ain't so, Barry!

However controversial it may have been, Barry Bond's 765th home run was a benchmark in sports history. Bonds hit a 435-yard bomber out of AT&T Park - off the pitcher whose father had stopped Hank Aaron from hitting that mark in 1976. Now the ball is headed to the Hall of Fame with an asterisk, and the Mitchell Report has cast doubt on more home runs than just Bonds'.

This report was contained in the 21 December Guardian in a review of top American sports stories of 2007. If Barry Bonds hit a 435 yard home run then it removes any doubt about him being 'juiced' on steroids!

Rory Grace Malia

Born December 18, 2007

Self-explanatory

Alexis Bledel plays Rory on the 'Gilmore Girls'. I didn't know this until Jessica informed me.

Rory Calhoun -star of stage and screen

Rory Grace Malia

I am delighted to announce the birth of my granddaughter -Rory Grace Malia. Mom, Dad and baby are doing great! My only regret is that I won't get to see my first grandchild until the middle of January. The most helpful comment I have received thus far came from my nephew Kyle: "Now being bald and graying will finally work out in your new role as Grandpa!" Since I haven't any pictures as of yet, I thought I would attach photos of some other famous folks named Rory.

THE STORY OF CLIFFORD WHOSE HOME WAS A CHURCH PORCH

I met Clifford in 2003. He started sleeping on the porch of one of my churches in London. Maurene and I befriended him, as much as Clifford would allow, and gave him a sleeping bag, various items of clothing, and provided him with meals throughout his time on our church porch. This article appeared in this month's Trinity Lamp -the Newsletter of Trinity United Reformed Church, Mill Hill, London.

Clifford came up to London from South Wales about five years ago. He was among those who find the stresses of life too much to bear. He took to the road and became homeless. He found shelter first in a Totteridge church but was not able to stay there for long, so he boarded a No. 251 bus and, coming into Mill Hill, noticed a church with a side porch, bearing a name which was already known to him. In the autumn of 2003, he settled in this porch, and his bearded figure soon became a familiar sight to those going in and out of the Harwood Hall, beside Union Church. He worried no one and made himself scarce on Sundays. Winter winds soon began to blow and he was still there at Christmas. Our Minister, Revd. Ronald Garner took interest in him, brought him a Christmas dinner and gave dispensation to Peter Gibbins to give him the shelter of Harwood Hall in the worst weather. The organisation 'Street Rescue' was contacted and did its best to help him and during the following year of 2004 found him a hostel place in Brixton; but for Cliff, that life could not last for long and, after a gap he returned to his former shelter in the side porch of Union Church, opposite the Corner Lamp.

The Church congregation moved to Watling in May 2005, and by Christmas of that year, help had been found for him with Shelter in Canary Wharf. Sometime last year he collapsed and Street Rescue again came to his aid. This story ends with the news that Cliff died in September. London Street Rescue has written to say that Cliff had been grateful for the help and understanding shown to him. May he rest in peace.

"I was a stranger, and you took me in."

article by Thomas John Wright

Street musicians compete for the best spots in the city centre.

Just look at the happy faces on these shoppers!

Weary shoppers stream in to the Abbey for the hourly 'Shoppers Carol Service'. Twenty minutes of Christmas favourites and each shopper gets a free gospel of Matthew. Now that's putting the 'E' in evangelism!

Brits queue up at the Bollywood Christmas stall and remember the good old days when they were still an empire .

Santa riding Ganesh

Our Indian ornaments

Christmas Market 2007

The weather has been horrendous all week in Bath. Which I thought would make things difficult for the traders who participated in the Bath Christmas Market. But, in between showers I decided to check out the market on Saturday afternoon. To my surprise you could barely move down the high street let alone through the market stalls themselves. My other purpose was to go to the Bollywood Christmas stall to purchase some baubles for our tree. Double click on photographs for full effect.

Lost in Translation

From today's London Times:

Tony Henry, the opera singer tasked with singing the national anthems before England’s game with Croatia earlier this week, has become an unlikely hero of the Croatian game after appearing to make a somewhat risque slip of the tongue while belting out the nation’s tune.
The singer, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, should have sung “Mila kuda si planina”, which translates roughly as “You know my dear how we love your mountains”. Instead, he appears to have sung “Mila kura si planina”, which, although moderately nonsensical, can be interpreted as “My dear, my penis is a mountain”.

A potent reminder that you don't grow turkeys in the garden. The UK tea mug is a gift from friends who attended yesterday's ceremony.

Yiiiiiiiikkes!

What do you do the day after you become British citizens? Why you celebrate American Thanksgiving of course. We picked up our turkey yesterday afternoon but only discovered this morning that this farmer includes the head with his produce. Almost makes you want to become a vegetarian! Almost, but not quite.

Ron signs the visitor's book.

Maurene signs the visitor's book. Great clock!

Hein and his friend

Hein -checking out the herbs

Becoming British: The Final Step -Part II

After the ceremony we moved from the Council Chambers to the Reception Room for the quintessential 'tea and biscuits.' We were also asked to sign the visitors book which was once signed by Queen Elizabeth. People from six nations took part in our ceremony. Fifteen new 'subjects' in all.

We met an interesting gentleman from South Africa who was also becoming a citizen. Hein van Vorstenbosch is the Executive Chef for St. Catherine's Court which is the palatial home of actress Jane Seymour. Hein and his friend had forgotten to bring a camera and so he asked me to take some photos and send them to him. He offered us a tour of the estate as an exchange for my photographic skills! If you'd like a peak at St. Catherine's Court go to: www.stcath.com

Mary Ede, our Church Historian and Archivist presents us with gifts

Ron and the Vice Chairman of the Council

Maurene receives her Certificate of Naturalisation

Ron, Maurene and the Queen

Becoming British: The Final Step

Today was the big day! Maurene and I travelled to the Guildhall, just a block from Central United Reformed Church to become British citizens. The festivities actually kicked off the night before when we attended our monthly Church Meeting and were presented with a lovely teapot and an American/English English/American dictionary.

The actual ceremony lasted about one-half hour. It began with the Registrar welcoming us and then introducing the Vice Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council who gave us the 'official ' welcome. We then took the oath and the pledge (see below) and were presented with our Certificates of Naturalisation. The Registrar then congratulated us and the Vice Chairman added her congratulations and said that this was a special week to be naturalised since it was the week of Her Majesty's Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Oath of allegiance: I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

Tony Benn

Loyal followers of this blog will know I'm a big fan of former Labour MP Tony Benn. Today, he spoke and did a book signing at St. Michael's Without Church. I went along to hear him speak for the second time since we arrived in Bath. He was mesmerising! It is so refreshing to hear someone who simply speaks his mind without spin, without vitriol, and with a great sense of humour. It helps that he is an old lefty. His latest book is a diary of his life since leaving the House of Commons. It is quite political yet interspersed with insights into his family life and his struggles with aging.

I took along my copy for him to sign. We had a brief but friendly chat. I told him that I had lived in Cincinnati (his late wife was from Cincinnati), I told him I was a Congregational Minister (his mother was a Congregational Minister), I told him that Maurene and I were becoming citizens of the United Kingdom on Wednesday. He asked where we lived in Cincy. Talked about Congregationalism and the direct line we have to the Almighty. He didn't say anything about the Citizenship Ceremony although in his book he is quite critical of swearing allegiance to the Queen. He is not a monarchist and describes the oath of allegiance as revolting. He does admit to repeating it when he joined Parliament. He says his oath is the same as American Patriot Thomas Paine: "My country is the world. My religion is to do good." He has written an authoritative book on Paine.

My favourite quote of the day. "The Labour party is not a socialist party. But their are a few of us socialists in the Labour Party. Just like their are a few Christians in churches." Bingo!

For a video sample go to: http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/tony_benn/2007/10/the_struggle_goes_on.html

Sahara, the sun-worshipper

Spain or Iceland? One smart seal!

An Arctic hooded seal rescued off the coast of Africa last year and taken to Britain to be nursed back to health has paddled in the wrong direction again, turning up off the Spanish coast.

The story of Sahara began last year when he was only a few months old and was washed up on the shore of Morocco, far from the normal migratory zone of a loner animal that mates near Iceland and Greenland.Sahara was weak and had lost his fur when he was found, said Tamara Cooper of the National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall. "We think he left a breeding area in Iceland and got completely lost and followed the shelf down to Morocco," she said.

In April, he was sent from Spain to the sanctuary in Cornwall so he could learn to socialise with other animals and gain weight. After six months, the sanctuary attached a satellite tag to Sahara, and released him near the Orkney Isles on October 10.The seal first headed towards Iceland, but then changed course and went south again, towards Spain. He was found on Sunday in the bay of Ondarroa, 45 miles from Bilbao. From Ondarroa, Sahara was taken to a rescue facility in San Sebastián, where his health is now being checked, Cooper said. "We're disappointed that he headed south and not back up north," she said. "But we're relieved that he's safe and well."

Sahara's urge to go south is a mystery. Other hooded seals have been observed to be heading south from the Arctic over the last 10 years, said Cooper, but the reason is not known. They may be following ocean currents or fish movements. Sahara's future has not yet been decided. "We hope he gets one more chance to remain free, instead of being protected here," Cooper said.

Kevin Brown:

This event celebrates the first acoustic blues evening at the United Reformed Church, Argyle Street in Bath - what promises to be an outstanding acoustic venue.Who better to herald this occasion than Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler's favourite blues man, our very own Kevin Brown, together with European blues master Homesick Mac and Phillip Henry, another of our home grown slide experts.This triple bill acoustic blues blow-out brings the very best of entertainment to the heart of Bath in this exciting newly refurbished venue.Doors open at 7.30pm.To book tickets, costing £10, and for more information telephone 0777 1907167 or visit http://www.thekevinbrown/. com.

From this week's Bath Chronicle, the emphasis is mine.

Maurene tries to hide her disappointment at the early blooming with a half smile.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. . .

I don't know if it is the far north latitude where we live, but Maurene's Christmas Cactus blooms too early every year. Quite lovely this year, just 47 days to early.

Sound as the dollar??????????????

The current monetary situation is great for our pending trip to the USA, not so great for people coming this way. From today's Guardian:

The pound climbed to $2.10 for the first time since 1981 this morning, boosted by speculation that China was preparing to shift its foreign reserves out of dollars.
By 10.30am, one pound was worth $2.1053. The dollar, which has been weakening for several weeks, also hit a new all-time low against the euro of $1.4703.
Analysts said today's falls had been sparked by comments made by Cheng Siwei, vice chairman of China's National People's Congress. He told a Beijing conference on Tuesday that China would "favour stronger currencies over weaker ones, and readjust accordingly".
A vice director of China's central bank, Xu Jian, was also quoted as telling the conference that the dollar was "losing its status as the world currency".
Thanks to China's booming exports, the country now holds the largest reserves of foreign currency in the world. The People's Bank of China reported last month that at the end of September, China's foreign reserves were worth $1.434 trillion.
Adam Cole of RBC Capital Markets said this morning that the comments from the two Chinese officials had "clearly been the catalyst" for the latest dollar weakness.
"However, it is more due to negative dollar sentiment generally," Mr Cole said.
The slowdown in the American economy, the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the ongoing credit crunch have all combined to weaken the US economy. Back in January, one pound was worth around $1.96.

This year's official photo. He doesn't look like a trouble maker.

Glorious. . . Not so glorious. . .

There goes the neighbourhood. . .

One of the few perks that ministers get in England is that the manse is quite often located in a 'desirable' part of town. With home prices in Bath some of the most expensive in the entire United Kingdom we live in a house far above our means -very far! The church purchased the house in the late 1800s when it was still reasonably priced for the frugal Congregationalists.

We've been noticing a house down the street going through some major renovations. Renovations in this neighbourhood, because of its historic value, are through the roof themselves; since everything has to be renovated to conservation standards. Remember my stone wall repair (see 20 October 2006 entry.)

Well today I found out that the house has been purchased by Olly Barkley. That name probably doesn't ring a bell with most of you. But he is a world class Rugby player and is one of the stars of Bath Premiership Rugby Team. In American Football terms, he isn't a Peyton Manning but he is at least an Eli Manning. He has also had a run in with the the law after a bar room scuffle earlier this year. Our Neighbourhood Watch will have to keep an eye on him. I attach a photo of a moment of glory and a moment he rued.