Blog

It's good to have role models. I have many. CB Fry is one of my favourites. Fry's was a great sportsman, representing England at both cricket and football. He played in an FA Cup Final and equalled the world record for the long jump. He also reputedly turned down the throne of Albania. Even well into his seventies he claimed he was still able to perform his party...

I had my shoes mended the other day. The soles were wearing thin so I visited the Sole Man. (If it's not punny, it's not funny!) He is an odd little fellow who seems genuinely miffed that I actually wear my shoes and develop problems with them. He sighs slowly, tuts and shakes his head at me. Then he fixes them...

My next-door neighbour is always pottering around his garden. Clipping, hoeing, digging, watering, pruning and planting. Recently I met someone who has known him for 40 years who was amazed to discover this. He said, “I didn't know he was a grower, I always had him down as a consumer!” The phrase stuck with me and I wondered which one people would...

"After you, Sir! Come on in”, said the doorman as he welcomed me to a nice hotel in London. I was going for coffee with a church leader and already felt more than a little out of place.  The doorman was a smartly dressed, tall and broad-shouldered man who bowed slightly as his reached for the door handle. He had a...

A few days later, the younger son gathered together everything that he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered and wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living. - Luke 15:13  Sound familiar to you? For me, this verse from the story of the prodigal son is a perfect illustration of university. In culture and media, the story of the stereotypical student sees them...

Recently I found myself stuck when a friend sought advice for a dilemma they were facing. When chatting about the relevant bible principles, I was faced with the response, “Yes, but it’s not relevant to our culture.” Happily curled up on the living room sofa, cuppa in hand and toasty slipper socks snuggling my toes, there was suddenly potential for...

Almost exactly 4 years ago to the day I was packing my polka dot tea towels and my cute new crockery into the car. My new duvet was squished in and I had blue tack and hundreds of photos of my besties ready to pin up on my wall. I realised in all of the busyness and all the goodbyes I...