FROM THE METHODIST MINISTER

Dear Friends,

Demos in the Methodist Recorder this week tells how he was awakened one morning and told "The Beatles have got the M.B.E." "You're joking of course" he replied. But the bearer of these auspicious tidings said he never joked about serious matters.

Well this award has started enough controversy to keep us talking for quite a while. For a pretty advanced "square" I can go along with the Beatles quite well as with several other groups. Though as with every other "old" person, I cannot be expected to know what it is all about. Obviously the honour bestowed upon them is resented by some holders of the M.B.E. for they have been so put out as to return their award.

One assumes the award is made for two reasons. 1. To acknowledge youth as understood by youth today, and 2. To show appreciation of the financial benefit that has come to the nation. Two things are certain, it cannot have been given for their prowess as musicians or their contribution to the arts.

There is the continuing question we older ones must ask; do we try to put the clock back and "get with it", or sit back and wait for those who now go into hysterics over the latest hit group, to pass through their teenage excesses and settle down to the more sober pursuits of dull maturity? Or is the answer, to be more tolerant of each other, knowing that, after all, you can't put old heads on young shoulders nor teach old dogs new tricks. Live and let live is not Scriptural but it is not far from Our Lord's teaching.

DONALD WHITE.

Since last writing for the Magazine Mrs. B. Read, mother of Mrs. Dorothy Milgate, has passed away at the advanced age of 89. Our sympathy goes to Mrs. Milgate and the family. We also regret the unhappy circumstances of a break-in to their home last week.

On a happier note. We had the baptism of Bridgette Louise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. Jack on Sunday, June 20th, in the Methodist chapel, and on Sunday, June 6th (Whit-Sunday) we received, as transferred members, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Ingle who have come to Lower Rainham and will eventually be coming to live in the village. They have been active workers in the Barnett Circuit in London and we welcome them into the church and the village.

D.W.

PARISH NOTES

Welcome

To Mr. and Mrs. Hankins (both from the West of England) who have come to live at "Flowerdown", with their three children - Stephen, Michael and Sandra.

County Show, 14th/15th July

Will have a Church Stand as usual. Its theme will be "Feed the Minds". Don't' forget to pay it a visit.