I know I’m always saying this, but the last few days have been really full. At least the weather seems to be improving; today is warm, and we’re promised a heatwave toward the end of the week, when we go to Blakeney.
On Wednesday we travelled west to Swaffham to visit our friends Julia and Allan, who have just moved there to be close to their daughter. Their house is a town house on three storeys, bigger than the one at Newton Flotman and nicely designed with spacious rooms. As it cost only £160,000 it made me wonder about moving to Swaffham! Went for a short walk after lunch: Allan gets very short of breath, which is worrying. And I still can’t hear: my right ear is buzzing all the time. Not to worry – I have an appointment with the nurse on July 8, if I am still alive then.
In the evening, while Dot was at orchestra I went to the cinema to see Mad Max: Fury Road. Not really the sort of thing that would normally attract me – I’m not into dystopia – but I’d read a couple of interesting reviews, and it wasn’t bad. What made it a bit different was that it had women in prominent roles – and not all glamorous women.
The next evening we went to the Red Lion in Eaton for a meal with the Robinsons to celebrate Anne’s birthday. Bit late, but they’ve been through a traumatic time with their daughter Sophie: one of her two twins died in the womb, but happily the other (Iris) was born in good health, which might not have been the case.
Friday evening saw us on the move again. We went to Wells to see Godfrey Sayers’ private view. It was only a small gallery (Quayside) but very attractive, with a great view of the harbour. The paintings were good too, and we’re thinking of getting one for my 70th birthday. I also got Godfrey to sign one of his books. Afterwards Dot and I wandered around and took some photographs. It was a beautiful evening, despite rain on the way there. We had come by an odd route as we had to get out of Norwich in the rush hour; so we took in Spixworth, Aylsham and Melton Constable. From there the satnav took us on a route which was no doubt shortest but consisted largely of narrow lanes, sometimes with grass down the middle. Interesting.
When we got home we went round next door for drinks and nibbles because Felix was on a rare visit home, and I’d met Mary on the way back from the city earlier. Very pleasant couple of hours, but it pretty much sabotaged our semi-fasting day.
Saturday was the big day for our new vicar. Dot and I arrived at St Luke’s just after 1pm to find the diocesan synod breaking up. Dot ran into her “boss”, Andy Mash, who was very complimentary to and about her. The worship band consisted of Simon Snell (vocals and a bit of a drum), Steve Fiske (bass guitar), me (guitar) and Dot (violin). Several people had dropped out. This meant that I found myself more or less leading into all five songs, which wasn’t what I’d anticipated, especially as my guitar was amplified. Worked out all right, although the violinist complained about my not waiting for her to compose herself.
Good service, and an excellent sermon as usual from the Bishop, who welcomed David (Austin) to a “Premiership diocese”. Dot took part in the service in another way, presenting the vicar with a jug of oil symbolising healing. Howard was pretty much in charge locally, as the other churchwarden, Elaine, was on holiday. All very jolly, with excellent cake afterwards.
In the evening we had the Hendersons and the Knees round for a meal that Dot had cooked in advance and frozen. It worked out successfully, especially the starter, which was a delicious mackerel and cheese pate. Very pleasant evening, with no high-powered debating. Rob and Penny had come by train; so departed just before 11, but Maryta and Paul stayed for another half hour. We’d more or less finished the clearing up by midnight.
By way of relaxation, I preached the following day to a small congregation that would have been even smaller if Ruth and Steve hadn’t turned up with their three children. Howard led and forgot the first hymn. At least, I think he did. Who knows?