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Spring Reunion, Pilgrim Hall, 2006 |
Canon Andrew White, seated
front right with some of the Friends
at the Spring Reunion
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A foggy day on Sussex Down
did NOT have 48 Friends worried or even remotely "down" as they gathered
at Pilgrim Hall on 25th April (with apologies to Cole Porter).
Neither had the Museum pieces lost their charm! (No prizes for guessing
who they are, but they have to be over 80 to qualify - which narrows the
field a bit?) Michael and Maggie Lee, our splendid host and hostess, joined the animated tea party that started the reunion, which is now well known for its fellowship, food and fun. Following the customary splendid dinner, Bishop Clive brought us up to date with Diocesan affairs. After the "full English" breakfast which my wife would frown upon but, after all this was the Reunion(!) we gathered to hear an upbeat address from Canon Andrew White. For most of us it was the first time both to see and hear this remarkable man who battles for peace and reconciliation in Iraq. His determination to overcome with the Good Lord's help was truly impressive, yet remaining fully aware of the huge problems faced by this divided country - his head is certainly NOT in the sand. It was perhaps symbolic for some of us that the sun broke through as he finished his talk and we took a coffee break; or perhaps it was for Bishop Harry's Bible Study that followed? This has become the crux of the reunion for some of us. This year was no exception. We studied 1 Thessalonians. The message this writer took home was that Love must be shown in both Action and Words. After lunch we embarked on our afternoon activities which, under sunny skies, ranged from visits to Winchelsea, Bateman's Cottage (Kipling's home), Sheffield Park, Pooh sticks in Ashdown Forest and Lewes, to a first ascent of Firle Beacon by Bishop Clive and Jane, so he could see what we get up to when he is unable to be there! We hurried back to be in time for tea, whilst Canon Andrew had been driven to London for yet another meeting. He still got back in time to continue, after dinner, his description of life in Iraq. The evening closed with a service, taken by Bishop Harry. But instead of the usual Compline, and with suggestions from others present, it was a service of prayers for healing. Also included were prayers for our Diocese and our Christian Arab brothers and sisters in Palestine and Iraq. Next morning Bishop Clive conducted Holy Communion before we went our various ways. Terry Finney, our Chairman, expressed our gratitude for the hospitality we had received from Michael and Maggie and their delightful staff. We are already booked in for May 1st to 3rd next year, which, for this writer, cannot come soon enough.
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