Dear Friends

THE PARISH MAGAZINE OF

ST PETER’S, EDGMOND

WITH

ST CHAD’S,

KYNNERSLEY

AND ST LAWRENCE PRESTON WEALD MOORS

including

VILLAGE NEWS

MARCH 2017

Visit us at www.stpeterschurchedgmond.org and www.edgmondparishcouncil.co.uk

RECTOR (usual day off: Monday) The Revd Prebendary Edward Ward, Edgmond Rectory 820217

RESIDENT MINISTER (part time; usual day off: Saturday) The Revd David Stokes-Harrison, Tibberton Rectory 551117

LICENSED READER Paul Benton 603071

CHURCHWARDENS John Ingram, Lovatt Cottage, 5 Turners Lane, Edgmond 810337 Chris Taylor, Provost’s House, High Street, Edgmond 810880

PCC SECRETARY Jane Gill 811201

TREASURER AND STEWARDSHIP RECORDER Rodney Bunyan 810957

ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER Dr Colin Brown 550164

TOWER CAPTAIN and RINGING MASTER Edric Broom 825851

TOWER SECRETARY Paul Lewis 820135

PUBLICITY c/o Penny Westgate 812920

MOTHERS’ UNION Margaret Matthews 825976

MAGAZINE EDITOR Sara Taylor, Provost’s House, Edgmond, TF10 8JY 810880 Email: [email protected]

MAGAZINE ADVERTISING Chris Taylor, Provost’s House, Edgmond, TF10 8JY 810880 Email: [email protected]

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION Penny Hughes 820253

2 Dear Friends,

“It’s the Bishops!” was the fearful cry in a Monty Python sketch which depicted Anglican Bishops (fully robed) walking down the middle of street terrorising all they met. “It’s the Bishops!”

Dean Charles Taylor, (son of one of my predecessors), in his farewell sermon as Dean of Peterborough, warned of all those who “would like to see power concentrated at the centre, in order to impose a bland, uniform theology”. The Bishop of Peterborough then issued an investigation into the state of Peterborough Cathedral’s finances which produced a report recommending the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer.

Part of the problem is that the cathedral is in one sense the Bishop’s church, and in another it isn’t. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop’s authority, for it is the building that houses his cathedra – the chair from which he teaches. And yet it is independent of him, as it is run by the Dean and Chapter, and sometimes the Dean is the only clergyman senior enough to say the truth to the Bishop.

The majority of present Bishops (or at least it seems so to me) come from one particular branch of churchmanship, that is the evangelical wing. They have a very strong belief in leadership and expect the clergy, including the cathedral clergy, to do their bidding, and are genuinely puzzled when they don’t. And as I have often said, this centralising policy grows apace with the adoption, hook, line and sinker, of the secular model of management, with a fast track system for clergy who are thought to be of bishop material, and sending newly appointed Deans of cathedrals to take a mini MBA. As Dean Taylor remarked: “The model of the Good Shepherd has been hijacked by the model of the Chief Executive Officer”.

Diversity is the very essence of Anglicanism. Under private patronage priests have been appointed who might otherwise not have been because they were individuals, not toeing the party line. Anglican clergy are free to think for themselves and are not directed what to think or say.

Cathedrals welcome worshippers but do not need to control them. They offer space to those who do not wish to be hugged into church. Mission not just banging on about the Bible and what it says. The mission of the Church is to bring the love of Christ to all, and to be warm, loving, welcoming, non-judgemental, accepting of all.

But even if Monty Python’s warning cry of “It’s the Bishops!” is correct, we must remember that the Church is God’s, and that ultimately His Holy Spirit will direct, reform, and guide it as He wants.

May God bless you, Your Priest and Friend, Edward Ward 3 SERVICES IN THE

MARCH

DATE EDGMOND KYNNERSLEY PRESTON Wednesday 1st 9.30 am Ash Wednesday Holy Communion with Ashing 7.00 pm Holy Communion with Ashing Thursday 2nd 9.30 am Holy Communion SUNDAY 5th 7.45 am 9.00 am Lent 1 Holy Communion Holy Communion 10.30 am Family Communion Thursday 9th 9.30 am Holy Communion SUNDAY 12th 7.45 am 10.30 am 10.15 am Lent 2 Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service 10.30 am Sung Eucharist 4.30 pm Healing Service Thursday 16th 9.30 am Holy Communion SUNDAY 19th 7.45 am 9.00 am Lent 3 Holy Communion Holy Communion 10.30 am Family Communion Thursday 23rd 9.30 am Holy Communion Saturday 25th 9.30 am The Annunciation Holy Communion SUNDAY 26th 7.45 am 10.30 am 9.00 am Lent 4 Holy Communion Family Service Holy Communion Mothering Sunday 10.30 am Family Service Thursday 30th 9.30 am Holy Communion 4 SIX PARISHES

2017

DATE TIBBERTON GREAT BOLAS WATERS UPTON Wednesday 1st Ash Wednesday

Thursday 2nd

SUNDAY 5th 10.30 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Lent 1 Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion

Thursday 9th

SUNDAY 12th 9.00 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Lent 2 Holy Communion Holy Communion Said Communion

Thursday 16th

SUNDAY 19th 10.30 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Lent 3 Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion

Thursday 23rd

Saturday 25th The Annunciation SUNDAY 26th 9 .00 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Lent 4 Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Mothering Sunday

Thursday 30th

5 FROM THE REGISTERS

HOLY BAPTISM 22nd January at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Willow Ava, daughter of Jonathan and Natalia Stiles. 5th February at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Theodore Stanley, son of Matthew and Rachel Thomas.

FUNERALS 13th January at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Jean Huffadine. The service was followed by interment in the churchyard. 23rd at St Michael’s, Waters Upton – Joan Morgan. The service was followed by interment in the churchyard. 3rd February at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Malcolm Winstanley. The service was followed by interment in Hinstock Cemetery.

FROM THE EDITOR

March this year is fairly quiet, covering as it does the reflective season of Lent, and finding suitable pictures for our front cover hasn’t been easy! Top left is a photo of Preston and Kynnersley’s 2016 Lent Lunch, and bottom left is a snap of a Table Top Sale held last autumn at the Village Hall. The Table Top Sales are a regular feature at the Village Hall – details of the next one are on page 11. The picture centre left is a beautiful painting of the Annunciation (when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her she would give birth to God’s son, which we will be commemorating on the 25th March) dating from the 14th century by an unknown German artist. On the right is a drawing of the pancakes which I hope you enjoyed on Shrove Tuesday this year, 28th February. As always I look forward to receiving your photos (preferably by email) not just for the front cover, but also to illustrate your articles and contributions inside.

The next edition of the Parish Magazine and Village News will cover the month of April 2017 and the deadline for contributions is Sunday, 5th March. Please do let me have them in good time – they can be delivered to me at the address on the inside front cover, or preferably emailed to me at [email protected].

Don’t forget that you can also read this magazine online on both the village and church websites (addresses on the front cover).

INTINCTION

Some parishioners may worry about receiving the wine from the chalice if they have a cold, or are just worried about drinking from the common chalice when colds and flu are about. Intincting the wafer is a completely acceptable way of receiving the sacrament. This simply means dipping the wafer in the chalice when the chalice comes to you, and then consuming the wafer. No problem.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday this year falls on Wednesday March 1st. It is one of the Days of Obligation laid down by the Book of Common Prayer, which all Anglicans should keep as a Fast, and when all Anglicans are expected to receive Holy Communion. There will be two celebrations of Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Edgmond – at 9.30 am (BCP) and 7.00 pm (CW). Both will also include the Ceremony of Ashing.

BISHOP’S LENT APPEAL

This year the Bishop of Lichfield’s Lent Appeal will follow the theme of supporting asylum seekers and refugees both at home and abroad. The Lent Appeal is to help tackle both urgent and ongoing needs. Through USPG support will be given to the plight of refugees arriving in Greece. And working with the Diocesan Transforming Communities Together partnership, support will be given to projects working with asylum seekers in our own region.

BISHOP’S LENT BOOK

This year’s Lent Book is “Dethroning Mammon: Making Money Serve Grace” by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The book is based upon the Gospel passages in Lent, and reflects on the impact of our attitudes, and of the pressures that surround us, on how we handle the power of money. It makes us ask and face questions such as who will be on the throne of our lives? Who will direct our actions and attitudes? Is it Jesus, who brings truth, hope and freedom? Or is it Mammon - so attractive and clear but which leads us onto paths that tangle, trip and deceive? The Archbishop encourages us to use Lent as a time of learning to trust in the abundance and grace of God.

THY KINGDOM COME

This is a global prayer movement which the Archbishop of Canterbury is asking people around the world to join. The Archbishop is calling on all Christians to pray, during a focused time of prayer between Ascension Day (May 25th), that others might come to know Jesus.

There will be large scale Diocesan events but it is hoped that each parish will be arranging events which suit their situation.

HEALING SERVICE

Just to remind you all that the next monthly Healing Service at St Peter’s, Edgmond will be held on March 12th at 4.30 pm. The monthly Healing Service will be held at that time until April 2017. Everyone is welcome at this service. It is not a curing service, but a healing service, and is a short, quiet, contemplative service.

ST PETER’S CHURCH, EDGMOND

SUNDAY SERVICES

7.45 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Morning Service (as announced) 6.30 pm Healing Service (2nd Sundays)

10.30 am SUNDAY SERVICES AND BIBLE READINGS MARCH 2017 March 5th Family Communion Lent 1 Gospel: Matthew 4: 1-11 March 12th Sung Eucharist Lent 2 O T Lesson: Genesis 12: 1-4a Epistle: Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17 Gospel: John 3: 1-17 March 19th Family Communion Lent 3 Gospel: John 4: 5-42 March 26th (Lent 4) Mothering Sunday Family Service

MOTHERING SUNDAY MARCH 26TH

Mothering Sunday (its correct title) or Mothers’ Day, falls this year on Sunday March 26th and at St Peter’s there will be a special Family Service at 10.30 am instead of the Eucharist. Everyone is warmly invited to this service. So before you treat Mum to her special lunch why not come along to the Family Service and join in this service celebrating and giving thanks for all that Mums do for us.

COFFEE AND CHAT

The next Thursday Coffee Morning at St Peter’s Church will be on March 16th following the 9.30 am Holy Communion Service. You don’t have to attend the service to be able to have a cup of coffee. Just turn up at the church at about 10.00 am or thereabouts, and join us for coffee (or tea) and a chat. We shall look forward to seeing you.

On Thursday 9th March at 2.15 pm in St Peter’s Church, Edgmond, our speaker will be Pat Muir on her visit to Afghanistan.

Everyone is welcome. For further information and/or help with transport please contact Margaret Matthews on 825976.

SNOWDROP WALKS

To book your Snowdrop Walk through the Caynton House wood please phone Anne Furniss on 01952 550216. Walks cannot take place if it is windy! For the less able there is a 5 minute walk; the longer walk takes 30 minutes. No dogs please. Refreshments available after your walk in The Stables kitchen. Donations are for The Friends of St Peter’s.

JEAN HUFFADINE

At Jean’s retirement party, the Chief Constable of Staffordshire said that he never knew whether Jean was famous or infamous as she knew so many people in so many different walks of life. She had strong connections with Edgmond. Her grandparents were married in St Peter’s and lived in Turners Lane. Jean and her mother lived at Moreton just outside Newport, and she attended Newport Girls High School. She had originally successfully applied for a job at Harper Adams College, but she really wanted to join the Police Force. And as soon as she obtained her School Certificate she applied to the Staffordshire Police and obtained the job she’d always wanted.

Jean first joined the Women’s Auxiliary Police Force but when they were disbanded and became the regular Women’s Police Force, she decided to become a civilian communications officer. She stayed in that position all through her working life, dealing with the introduction of teleprinters and then computers. She frequently had to go out to other police stations to train other communication officers in the latest innovation. Jean was also asked to set up the communication systems for large investigations, such as for the Leslie Whittall murder case.

Jean was a self-sufficient person and enjoyed doing all her own decorating. She enjoyed gardening as well, and was a member of Newport Townswomen’s Guild.

We give thanks to God for the life of someone who gave so much back to both the local and wider community. We extend to her niece Carol and all of Jean’s family our sympathy at this time.

MALCOLM WINSTANLEY

St Peter’s Church was packed with family, friends, colleagues and customers, who came to pay their respects to Malcolm who died at the relatively young age of 57 and in tragic circumstances.

Malcolm had been a fireman in Newport before he set up his own business as a general handyman. Members of the Newport Fire Service formed a Guard of Honour at Malcolm’s funeral. During the address the congregation was reminded how Malcolm was often the first to get involved with a rescue, especially of animals, which often involved him wading into mud and water to calm the animal to stop them injuring themselves further.

The Rector reminded the congregation how, if you called Malcolm out to help you, he would come as soon as he could and wouldn’t leave until the job was completed to his satisfaction. Malcolm did a lot of maintenance work for St Peter’s Church.

Malcolm was buried at Hinstock next to his late father. We offer to all of Malcolm’s family, especially Mandy his wife, their children Darren, Julie, Kate, and to Rita his mother, our deepest sympathy and condolences, and assure them of our prayers and love at this very sad time.

PARISH WARDEN’S REPORT

Two crimes have been reported in Edgmond during January.

 Overnight, 19th January, a wrought iron gate was stolen from a property in Mentone Crescent.

 In the early hours of the 31st, criminal damage to some wooden fence panels occurred at a property in Mentone Crescent backing on to the Edgmond Village Hall grounds. This was at about 0300 – the resident having been awakened by dog barking.

Recently, P.C. Lee Thomas gave me some information which it is well worth sharing. It dispels a myth with which I have lived for all my time as your Parish Warden. I will quote what he said:

“NOTTINGHAM KNOCKERS” is the name given to people, generally males aged 20’s to 30’s, always from out of our area (noted by strong accents) commonly the North East of England, who visit homes claiming to have recently come out of prison and being on a Probation Service Scheme to get them back into work by selling household cleaning products door to door.

THERE IS NO SUCH SCHEME!!”

These people are selling vastly over-priced poor quality products whilst at the same time, often checking out properties to see if there are opportunities for further crimes to be committed at a later time.

The name “Nottingham Knockers” is derived from the fact that this activity was first seen in Nottinghamshire.

If residents do have any such persons knocking on their door, do not let them into your home, do not buy items from them and please, call Police on 101 straight away so that we can attend and ensure they are bona fide door to door sellers and not involved in criminal activity”.

The SNT have heard “on the grapevine” that these people have again been in the village – although there has not been a single call to the Police regarding this activity in the area since well before Christmas.

John Keeping (813125)

11 NEWS FROM EDGMOND PARISH COUNCIL www.edgmondparishcouncil.co.uk

For some time now this article has been written by one member of the Parish Council and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all her hard work. It has now been decided that each Parish Councillor will take it in turns to write the article; in this way, we will be enhancing our profile in the community and giving you a change of style each month. We are always looking at ways of being visible and contactable so that you all feel we represent your wishes. I drew the short straw so to speak!

My name is Marion Barton and I live in Shrewsbury Road. Many of you will know our family through our black spaniel called Jasper. I have been a Parish Councillor for just over three years and am a member of the Environmental subcommittee and also the Communications subcommittee. I also try to attend all the meetings with Harper Adams University (HAU) as well as representing the Parish at the Newport Regeneration Meetings which are held at HAU. Recently I have been a member of the Steering Group working towards the new Neighbourhood Plan. Living in Edgmond, I feel very privileged to be able to enjoy our village and to work towards maintaining a vibrant growing diverse community which can offer all ages an enjoyable place to live.

The Parish Council is pleased to announce that the Draft Neighbourhood Plan and associated SEA and HRA (Environmental and Habitat Regulation Assessment) screening reports for our Parish have now been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council as part of the Regulation 14 Consultation. We have continued to work closely with Telford & Wrekin Council, Harper Adams University and members of PHE to reach this point in the process. By the time this article appears in the Parish Magazine we will have completed the six-week consultation period which finishes on the 27th February. The draft Plan and all the files full of evidence will then go to the Independent Examiner for scrutiny. We should still be on course for a referendum in May. It is not too late to add any more comments to this draft document so I would urge you to contact us through the link on the website or speak to us directly. We would also like to express our thanks to HAU for all their work in assisting us with this document.

“We’re Watching You” continues! We would ask all you dog owners to continue being careful with your pooch’s poo! As a dog owner myself I know that it MUST be my responsibility to clean up my own dog’s poo. We seem to have poo bags in every coat pocket in our household and wouldn’t dream of going out with our dog without one. However, there still appears to be an issue on an area of Robin Lane and I would appeal to all those who walk their dogs in that area to be vigilant. Remember you can report anything you see direct to Telford & Wrekin Council on 384384.

It was disappointing to find that the multi-use game area (MUGA) had been vandalized and damaged when a small fire was lit under the equipment. This is just not fair on the young people who love to meet and use the equipment. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the police on 101.

We would like to thank those residents that have signed up as Edgmond Street Champions and for the good work that has already started. If you would like to help us keep our parish clean, tidy and litter free please register and receive your kit.

Finally, some of you may be aware that a new bench appeared on the playing fields towards the end of last year. This was donated by the Parish Council for the enjoyment of our community and we hope to be able to provide further benches in the future. If anyone has an idea where a bench would be appreciated, then please let us know via the link to our clerk on the website.

Our next Full Council Meeting is at 7.00 pm on 13th March 2017 and our full meeting schedule can of course be found on our website. Remember, anyone can attend the meeting and we always devote the first 15 minutes for you to speak on any issues or concerns you may have. Another date for your diary is the Annual Parish Meeting (APM) on the 11th April. We would welcome you all to join us at the APM in the Village Hall. It is your opportunity to meet all the Parish Councillors and share matters of interest and concern. The Chairman’s Annual Report will be presented along with the Annual Financial Report for 2016/2017. We also expect to have representatives from the Local Policing Team and there will be hopefully a chance to speak to your Borough Councillors, Stephen Bentley and Stephen Burrell when they present their annual report to the village with the one from our Chairman, Councillor Robert Higginson. Cllr Marion Barton

TABLE TOP SALE

Edgmond Village Hall – March 4th, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Free entry … Lots of bargains … Refreshments available

Phone 820572 for tables

Our February sale made £212 - Thank you everyone for your support

13 EDGMOND VILLAGE HALL NEWS

External walls are now finished and scaffolding about to be taken down. Insulation and first stage services are installed and ready for plaster boarding. We hope to be completing electrics and plumbing, final drainage and levelling off the ground during February with completion March/early April if all goes well.

200 Club Winners for January Winners for February

No. 37 won £10 No. 42 won £10 No.34 won £10 No.37 won £10 No 64 won £5.00 No.139 won £5 No. 83 won £5 No.100 won £5 No.53 won £5 No.47 won £5 No.111 won £5 No.23 won £5

Thanks to 4 new members who joined us; but we still have numbers left so I would be delighted if we could encourage a few more people to join. The extra income does make a difference to the upkeep of the Village Hall. Contact Denise 01952 812850 for more details. Charity No. 810315

Planned Event Dates: - February’s Table Top sale profit was £212.70 - thank you. 1st Saturday in each month – Table top Sale -9.30 -12.30 (£5 per table) Contact Janis on 01952 820572 / 07739634703. Becoming a very popular event, come & join us for bacon or sausage butty.

30th April – All being well we hope to invite you to the Opening of the New Extension so please keep checking our website for updates. If you are interested in a stall please call Denise 01952 812850 or Amanda 07879476062 for more details.

11th June Vintage Fair – Contact Janis 01952 820572 for more details – refreshments available & free admission.

NEWPORT SHROPSHIRE U3A

There will be an Open/Information Day about the Newport Shropshire U3A (The University of the Third Age) on Saturday 11th March. The event will be held in The Royal Naval Association Club, Bellmans Yard (off the High Street opposite NatWest Bank), Newport between 10.30 am and 4.00 pm. If you are retired or semi-retired then come along and find out exactly what is on offer by way of Talks, Interest Groups and Activities that might interest you.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st March when Caroline Pugh will talk on “A Servant’s Life” - all about the comings and goings of the servants at Attingham Park; how they were hired and fired and why they would work for nothing. Also she will tell us where they went on their days off and what their Christmas would have been like. Caroline will be dressed in 1830's costume and "will be wondering where her purse has gone!!" The meeting will be held at the Royal British Legion Club, Audley Road, Newport at 2.00 pm. Admission is £1.00 and visitors are most welcome. Refreshments are available and there is ample car parking available.

Caring for God's Acre (Charity no. 1155536)

Practical conservation volunteers needed in north Shropshire.

 Churchyards are fantastic places for wildlife. Can you help us conserve it in churchyards?  Use your skills and learn new ones.  No experience necessary. Training provided.  Keep fit and active in beautiful surroundings.  Everybody is welcome. Meet new people.

If you are interested in getting involved please contact Ben Mullen on 01588 673041 ([email protected]).

ST CHAD’S CHURCH, KYNNERSLEY

PCC Secretary: Mrs Georgina Edge 01952 670153

SERVICES in MARCH 2017 Sunday March 12th Epistle Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17 Catherine Gregory Lent 2 (Purple) Gospel John 3: 1-17 Maria Simpson 10.30 am – Holy Communion Sunday March 26th Epistle 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7 Georgina Edge Mothering Sunday (Purple) Gospel John 19: 25b-27 Judith McPherson 10.30 am – Family Service

KYNNERSLEY COFFEE AND CHATTER

We are an informal, friendly group welcoming both men and women to our bimonthly coffee mornings. We meet at the village hall from 10.00-12.00. Our get-together on the 22nd of March has Mr Geoff Harrison talking about the history of the Wealdmoors. All are most welcome; we look forward to seeing some new faces.

KYNNERSLEY WI

Our Speaker on the 14th March is Olga Merrick, author of “Untouched Departures”, discussing her experience writing the novel inspired by overheard “killer” conversations when she ran a pub in film land Elstree. We meet in Kynnersley Village Hall at on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm. For further information, contact Pat on 603612 or Carole on 603291.

KYNNERSLEY GARDEN CLUB

We are seeking new members to come and join our friendly garden club. We meet every second Friday of the month, and have members at all gardening levels.

Apr-Aug we are out and about visiting our own members’ gardens, local nurseries or gardens etc.

Sep – Mar we meet in Kynnersley Village Hall for interesting garden speakers and social interaction.

We hold an annual plant sale, garden show, Christmas and BBQ events.

Contact Hannah Sherlock by email [email protected] or tel 01743 341949.

______

ST LAWRENCE’S CHURCH, PRESTON

Churchwardens: Mr D Brown, The Conifers 676671 Dr T Goode, 32a Moorhead 670242 PCC Secretary: Mrs P Jones, The Rockery, Wheat Leasowes 603612

SERVICES IN MARCH 2017 Sunday March 5th Epistle Romans 5: 12 - 19 Mrs B Vickers Lent 1 Gospel Matthew 4: 1-11 Mrs P Jones 9.00 am – Holy Communion Sidesman Mrs J Walters Sunday March 12th – Lent 2 10.15 am – Family Service Sunday March 19th Epistle Romans 5: 1 - 11 Mr D Brown Lent 3 Gospel John 4: 5-42 Dr T Goode 9.00 am – Holy Communion Sidesman Mrs B Vickers Sunday March 26th Epi stle 2 Corinthians 1: 3 - 7 Mrs A Smith Mothering Sunday (Lent 4) Gospel John 19: 25b-27 Mrs B Vickers 9.00 am – Holy Communion Sidesman Mr D Brown

PRESTON-UPON-THE-WEALD-MOORS BOOK CLUB

Sometimes you really want to discuss a good book! If you are interested in joining a Book Club, then you are welcome to come along to our first meeting which will be at St Lawrence’s Church on Thursday 18th March at 2 pm. 16

NORBURY CANAL FESTIVAL

Unfortunately, due to factors beyond their control, the Shrewsbury & Newport Canals Trust has had to cancel the Norbury Canal Festival this year. The next Festival will take place on the 5th, 6th and 7th May 2018.

AND FINALLY …

The following Obituary appeared a while back in The London Times:

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm; - Life isn't always fair; - And maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. 17 Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers;

- I Know My Rights - I Want It Now - Someone Else Is To Blame - I'm A Victim - Pay me for Doing Nothing

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.