City of Sanctuary

Well I thought I lived in a city of sanctuary, but the vote even though close, reveals how when peoples fears are played upon that picture begins to fragment. Sitting now listening to the leave leadership you can hear the hollowness of what they claimed. Not one has yet been able to explain how they are going to negotiate the way out. Rather they appear to be at sea. Picking and choosing which laws to keep and you can bet they wont keep the ones that protect people. So foolish to play into the hands of a divided conservative party that willlpotentially leave us with a right wing government. They will not care about workers rights as they only see things in terms of making wealth for a few under the guise of caring about the working person.  So will we now have to have Boris as prime minister who clearly has played this one in the hope of becoming that? 

The need to find a way forward and for society to be reconciled is clear. But that future must not be built on fear of the stranger, and the false hopes that have been the hallmark of the leave campaign. Dont't be surprised when Boris and co start giving reasons why they can't reduce immigration. After all he and they knew the evidence shows we are richer because of it not poorer. 

We need to be very conscious how those who live, work and contribute to our society who have come from Europe will be feeling. Nothing may have actually changed and may not for years, but peoples perceptions of how they are viewed is real and can be hurtful. The Christian community needs to ensure that in word and action it reveals the inclusive, hospitable Christ and be the voice that holds the leave leadership to account for what it goes on to do.  

A grandchild at last

Well after all the waiting Emily was born on Tuesday. Its both a sense of joy and relief. Joy at new 

Life and relief that mum and baby are fine, oh and her dad. Then the further wait to be able to drive down and not only see her but hold her.

 Jill was out of school really prompt and soon we were on our way to London. Traffice was kind so not the usual horrendous Friday night drive. 

So what do you do as a Granddad? Well do some  cooking and have the fun in the middle of the night to settle her down so mum can go back to sleep. Already it puts the rest of life into perspective. Who cares if England go through in the euro, or some vote in a referendum or even the length of our last circuit meeting.... 

Is it not strange how we can get so excited about some issues and lose sight of what is really important. So as I sit here writing my first grandchild is feeding and six adults are all focussed on one small child. Her other aunty will soon be ariving and we will have all gathered as a family and I will have all my girls in one place. Then it will be perfect and all well with the world.

 

New gardening opportunity being in community

It has been a real joy to have new neighbours after waiting months for the house next doors to be put in good order. Best of all the front garden has been cleared now and "could we help advise on planting" So a little time out today saw me dig in four plants which we had selected on Friday for them as a gift. Straight away it has been a talking point for all our neighbours who are fasting as its Ramadan. Comments of approval all round and an even greater sense for us of belonging here. Of course always helped by the delivery last night of food as sunset took place. Yes we were once again included in the important hospitality as people cook for each other and support each other at this important time.

You might not be able to see the small plants but they will grow as I water them as well as our own. And thats a real parable of what it has been like living on our road. Small acts of hospitality to one another has grown a sense of belonging. It makes me smile and I reckon it makes God smile too.

RHS Hyde Hall

The opportunity to visit RHS Hyde Hall was too good to miss havbg been in north London.So a slight detour home meant we could visit. But what a day to pick. It was grey, cold and yes at one point it rained.

But being hardy gardeners even if not dressed for the weather we fortfied ourselves with a coffee and made the most of the time.

Delightful hostas with a canopy above and no signs of slug attacks !

The grasses were in abundance and the wind kept them moving.

 There had been a local school competition. 

Which was fun to see.

And this literally moving sculpture of ash keys set beautifully against the long backdrop of lawns and trees caught the eye.

Even on the grey day it was as we expected a beautiful place to visit.

With plants from New Zealand

 

No self respecting garden can be without a decent pond

Rain literally  stopped play so we retreated to the barn for hot soup and cake. A good move as then the weather cleared up and we could continue to look for ideas.

 

Now how about a bridge across  my pond?

And while the roses were not really out, just a bit early in the season, many were.

In the end the cold got the better of us and we retreated to the car and the journey home. 

We discovered that at last our neighbours have cleared their front garden. How delightful they called to see if we were okay as we were missed. They wanted advice about what to plant and of course they brought us food.  Who on earth would want to leave Sheffield?