Sunday 17th to Tuesday 19th May 2020
I think that the U.K. has entered its 9th week of lock-down. If reports are to be believed, Derbyshire’s beauty spots (and there are many) were packed with trippers at the weekend, as if normality had resumed. It was still cool on Sunday, and I was not tempted to do anything other than enjoy being at home.
In an attempt at home prayer, I tuned into a televised service on BBC 1 at 10.45. Once again, the worship seemed to be live, interspersed with hymns recorded at a previous episode of “Songs of Praise.” The congregation, as usual, were encouraged to sing like choking goldfish; I am told this helps those hard of hearing to lip read the hymns. If that’s the case, then the subtitles are redundant! Karaoke hymns have been all the rage in some less formal churches, or even those trying (and in some cases, succeeding) to swell congregations. I tried not to let my irritation distract me, a tustle I lost miserably. I am missing the real thing….at least I thought I was.
In the week, I enjoyed a lengthy natter with our vicar with whom I look forward to numerous lunches when the restaurants are up and running again. Yesterday, Monday, I was the recipient of an appeal from the current churchwarden, along with 49 others to whom this e-mail was sent. What she (the churchwarden) had to say was very reasonable, but I fear the heated debate to come…in fact, I think it has already started. I have responded modestly to this appeal.
Today, Tuesday, I took advantage of the fine weather and, once again, went exploring the area around the track bed of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which is visible from my house. I saw parts of it from a different angle having continued from the end of Haslin Road along a footpath which led eventually to a chalky track, to the former railway itself. There were several people out, enjoying the same scenery which is lovely to gaze upon. Among them, a neighbour whom I got to know when taking my first tentative walks following my heart surgery. As soon as I arrived home, and I was tucking into my version of spaghetti bolognese, another church member and good friend ‘phoned to see how I was. This was most welcome, and we enjoyed a good natter.
It’s a nice night. Perhaps another little stroll might be good.
Thanks for reading, David, 20.06hrs 19/5/20.
David's Cruise 