FROM THE VICARAGE STUDY

My dear People,

We have all been shocked and saddened by the death last, month of David Tong from injuries arising from a bicycle accident. A quiet boy with a slow smile, David had shown himself at school to possess certain artistic talent and I can well remember an excellent little poster he produced some two years ago for Christian Aid Week. I am glad to say that his parents have been very conscious of the support and sympathy of the parish in their grievous loss. I am sure, too, that they will continue to have in a special way our understanding and goodwill for a long time ahead.

As this tragic accident will have reminded us, we all live in dangerous days. Mainly due to the pace of life and the speed of travel we are in no way assured of a normal span of life. I wonder whether we are nearly thankful enough for each new sunrise we see and each new year we begin? I am of the opinion that far too many people take life and health for granted. If we believe in God as Almighty and Creator, surely those words of the General Thanksgiving in our Prayer Book should be regularly on our lips and in our thoughts - "We bless thee for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life. . . ?" Or again, the Communion Service is sometimes called the Eucharist, which is from a Greek word meaning to "give thanks". So at the centre of our Christian worship is "the giving of thanks". So I say to you, let there be more "giving of thanks", more deeply thankful hearts at the start of a day, at the end of a meal, at an anniversary, and so on. Thankful people become happy people and what an inspiration and pleasure they are to live with!

Finally, we remember with thankfulness this month the generosity and wisdom of Mary Gibbon, founder of our school. On July 21st we observe her Will by presenting Bibles to the leavers at Choral Evensong. All this is part of our rich heritage in this village. Can we not all make more of an effort this year to be present? It is also Mr. Snape's last School service and it would be a deserved gesture to one who has done a great deal for our School.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.