Greetings From Morecambe

Now that my little house is looking a bit more lived in, instead of boxes everywhere, I thought it high time that I should let you know how things are going in the north west.

It doesn't seem possible that I have now been here for 4 months. The first six weeks were taken up with emptying boxes and finding homes for the contents – or in quite a lot of cases downsizing more and more. Now there are just a few odds and ends to sort when my nephew has put me in a few more shelves.

Of course it hasn't been all work. I spent a week away with all the family visiting places such as Worcester, Hereford, Great Malvern . We had rented a house near Malvern and self catered. It was great to be with them all. On our return it was back to the boxes. In between all this, I began to get to know my new church – Holy Trinity with St Lawrence, Poulton le Sands – known as Morecambe Parish Church. Their main service is at 10 am and the choir is often led in by my great nephew, Conor, who is an enthusiastic server. Evensong is said most of the time but 4th Sunday is Choral, with tea/coffee afterwards.

So far I have been taking it easy – can you imagine that!! Now, though, I have been asked to be a sides-person but it is only once a term and I will do my first duty on the day they have their confirmation. I have also joined the Bible Study Group which meets twice a month in church after the weekday communion on Thursday afternoon.

A new event for me was the Light Party. What's that I hear you say? It's a service for all ages with craft and refreshments thrown in and an antidote to Halloween. We started at 5 pm in the Rectory garden with a bonfire and, if we wished, we could bring sparklers but no fireworks as such. Then it was inside for hot dogs and the start of activities. We started off with a hymn and then it was action stations – or rather craft time. We had a choice of 4 crafts which we went to in turn. First for me was a shield to make with all manner of stickers, pictures and so on all depicting light. Then we were called back for another worship song – and then on to different craft. This time icing gingerbread men (light heroes) and other decorations; a short talk from the Rector was next reminding that knowing Jesus brings light to our lives; next craft was making lanterns; another worship song before the last craft which was making a light poster, again with different ideas of light – the Olympic flame, torch, electric light bulb, stars, etc. The evening ended with mulled wine for the grown ups. About 90 people were there and the noise was terrific but what a lot of fun we had diving into the sequins, colouring pencils, and icing stuff. It was just like holiday club! Next big event is the Christmas Tree Festival which I'll tell you about another time.

Other events I have joined are the local philatelic society and a cardmaking club.

I am enjoying reading St John's magazine and the weekly bulletin and seeing what you are all up to. I look forward to hearing from you all.

This piece first appeared in the Church magazine.

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