Page 14 - BR May 2023

May 2023 May 2023

FROM THE AFFPUDDLE CHURCHWARDEN risking putting on a sub standard event that may well deter people from outside
our parish from attending future open gardens, having a long term negative
effect on our ability to raise substantial funds for the village hall going forward. So
a huge apology to all of you who have already set to in preparing your gardens
If the cap fits … for the event and also a plea to keep faith with us as we look to 2024 to give our
The expression “if the cap fits, wear it” is generally used as a criticism. But it full attention to a really successful open gardens. Anyone wishing to get involved
doesn’t have to be critical, it can merely be an observation that if someone is in a and be a part of organising this for 2024 would be very welcome and we are
position, or observed to be of a behaviour or appearance, then they should looking to organise a steering group to start the process in the summer this year so
adopt and continue in that way. It is very common for folk to opt for resignation if that everything is good to go for next year. Please let me know if you would like to
the job they have been given turns out to be rather difficult. Perhaps they don’t be a part of this.
know how to do it or don’t have the enthusiasm This means we can also focus on the coronation of King Charles 111. The parish
to do the job the way everyone expects. council has again agreed to fund the provision of a coronation mug, thank you,
However, one may consider adjusting the cap for each young person under the age of 18 who either lives in the parish or has a
so that it does fit. Our King, Charles III, had a strong connection with supporting the parish, maybe they don't live here but are
“fitting” for the crown. It is made of gold, houses involved in the village shop for instance. There will also be a limited number of
a lot of stones, and is rather heavy. It is mugs available to purchase for those of us who are no longer able to claim
important that it fits comfortably. So Charles under 18 status. These will be available to purchase on the Saturday and Sunday
has adjusted the crown, which I am suggesting of the coronation weekend in the village hall.
as a metaphor for altering the job, as king. Along with the concert in the week preceding the coronation and the service
There are many modern democratic counties that the church are organising the coronation itself will be broadcast in the village
with a monarch (Alexa says 29 – Charles is hall from first thing on the Saturday morning through to the return to Buckingham
monarch of 15 of them). The rôle of monarch is palace and the scenes of the newly crowned monarch on the palace balcony
difficult to fulfil in these democratic countries. supported by the working members of his family. We are calling this event "the
kings breakfast" and all of you are welcome to attend. The hall will be set up in a
So how can he “wear it”? There are many areas where the monarch, rather than relaxed cafe style setting with breakfast from toast through to continental and full
the prime minister, is in authority. What we have seen so far is that King Charles is English being served at as lower a price as we can possibly make it. There will be
doing rather well. Some commentators were not optimistic but we have seen, teas and coffee and cake towards the end of proceedings.
not only Charles, but Camilla, Queen Consort, doing a rather splendid job.
Even if you do not wish to partake of breakfast please come along and
I don’t know about you but I have often considered giving up or resigning. I am experience the sense of a community coming together to see our king crowned.
reminded of Christ’s prayer on the Mount of Olives “Father, if you are willing, take It may not hold quite the rose tinted charm of gathering around brand new black
this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Many of you and white televisions in those houses that had purchased one specifically for the
reading this article may not have a regular time of prayer but may have a task purpose of watching the late queen’s
which has a particular cap of office which is giving you a challenge. Well think coronation 70 years ago but we will
about how the job could be done, about what way the job may be changed, be doing our best to recreate
about how someone else could do the job, about how you could do the job. Talk something of that community spirit
about it. and sense of excitement. Watch the
king and queen smile on their way the
Make suggestions, listen to suggestions, and get on with it.
to the abbey in an air conditioned
Mike Menzies well sprung carriage and see if you
Church Warden, Lay Worship Leader, St Laurence Church, Affpuddle can spot a grimace on the return
journey in the golden state carriage
supported on leather straps for
traditional suspension.

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