Carol Purves

A group of ten of us from the Carlisle Christian Writers went on a tour of BBC Radio Cumbria.  Fascinating.  I can’t remember all the facts and figures we were given, but some things stood out.  There is a special red light which goes on if there is a national disaster or news (death of royalty etc)  The station needs to know if they should cease their scheduled programme and link up with the national breaking news.

A third of all Cumbrians listen to the station.  At the present time there are 40 people involved in the station ( though some cuts have just been announced in the local paper, along with stations all round the country.)    There are 40 local radio stations in the country. (long may they continue.  People love to hear of news local to them)

Now we all listen to the broadcasts with added interest as we can imagine the broadcasters at their desks, or out and about, giving the county what it wants.

Carol, the listener.

The ladies from our church had a weekend away –  52 of us (not all from our church, we’re not that big) Ridley Hall was a lovely setting with beautiful walks in the grounds when it wasn’t raining.

The theme was Invigerate, which meant there was a number of energetic activities (I’m still recovering from trying to pick up a large cereal box with my teeth with only my feet on the floor.  Not easy)   But of course we also looked at the spiritual side and became invigerated in our study of the scriptures  Many lessons were learned and many blessings received.

Carol, the invigerated.

Last Sunday morning during our Communion Service, the leader chose part of John 15:22 as his text – If I had not come.  Although the words of Jesus were taken out of context, they still made us  think.  If Jesus had not come our lives and the world would  be very different today.  All the good things would be missing – kindness, consideration, love or sharing good things.  We would just be left with the bad things – wars, selfishness or dishonesty.  Life would take on the effect of the ‘lowest common denominator’.

If He had not come, there would be no hope of life after death.  He says in John 14:2 In my Father’s house there are many rooms, I am going there to prepare a place for you.   If He had not come this life is all there would be.  A sombre thought.

So let’s give thanks that He did come.

Carol, the thankful

I know I’m two and a half weeks behind but on Easter Monday I went to Wigtown, the book town of Scotland (or at least one of them)  It was interesting to see the Solway Forth from the other side and driving along the A75 it was a picturesque drive.  Of course wherever you are the wind turbines are evident.   There are many heavy lorries on the road as it leads  to and from the busy port of Stranraer and in places is quite dangerous.  The secret is to find out the times of the ferries and not drive at that time.

I hadn’t seen my friend for about three years, so you can imagine we spent all the time catching up on events.  She is a Christian writing friend (or do I mean a writing Christian friend?) so some of our conversations were literary and learned; at least on her side.

I commented on the similar place-names of Wigton in Cumbria and Wigtown in Galloway.  She told me of a speaker who was to speak at the Wigton church and went to Cumbria instead.  I think everyone is more careful now.

I know this isn’t very interesting reading this if you’re from Hong Kong or South Africa, but I promise the next blog will not be about places.

Carol, the Bank Holiday traveller

I was waiting for a period of heavy rain followed by sunny weather to visit this waterfall.  My thinking was, heavy rain would make it look more spectacular and sun would give good photos.  I didn’t quite get it right.  It had rained, but not much and the sun came out ten minutes after I’d been photographing.  It didn’t matter, I enjoyed myself.  Being the Easter Saturday, meant I wasn’t alone!  How clever of God to give us bands of hard and soft rocks so that we get beautiful waterfalls like this one!

My next stop was Greystoke.  I’d met a patient in hospital who lived there and sang it’s praises.  They were right; with it’s own school, post office, church and a couple of shops, plus pubs, it is a thriving village.  I discovered the cyclist’s cafe.  Well worth a visit, even without a bike. 

Next I needed to take some photos in Sebergham.  I got lost trying to find the hamlet and twice ended up in a farmyard.  I refuse to have a Satnav; I’d rather get lost without it.

Carol, the Easter explorer

Had a fascinating day at the ITV Granada Studio at Salford, Manchester this week.  The programme being televised was ‘Countdown’.  No longer with Richard Whiteley or Carol Vorderman, but equally exciting.

Nick Hewer was a very good replacement, with his calm efficient manner he seemed to have been in the role for ever.  Susie Dent was her usual brilliant self with an encyclopedic knowledge of words.  She was supported (or was it the other way round) by Angela Rippon.  When asked by Nick to do the splits on the show, she replied that she would only do it if he would.  She was on a winner there.  Rachel Riley gave rapid responses with the numbers games.

I was interested to see how everything worked.  I had thought the letters and numbers were sorted electronically, but apparently it is done by an effieicent technician shuffling them all up.

A good and memorable day.

Glad to know that so many of you are reading my blogs (particularly my friend Angela P).  Do contact me some of you, especially my readers from Hong Kong, America and somewhere in Eastern Europe 

Carol, your friend

£19 return train fare to Scotland was too good to miss.  The fare was cheap, but the hotel cost made up for it.  Decided to visit Elgin (no, I haven’t lost my marbles; in any case they belong to Greece)  Dull, cool and slighty windy; in this counrty we always talk about the weather.

I found the town was mostly shops, but the museum was not yet open for the summer.  At the interesting library, the librarian was helpful above the call of duty.  There was also a small room consisting of ‘large print’ books.  (Not a large room consisting of small books!) No, I don’t need them yet but I thought it was a great idea and would like to see it in other libraries. 

At the cathedral, now a ruin, I found I was able to take any photos I neded without paying the £4 by going inside.  

Spent an afternoon at Lossiemouth and visited the only cafe as it was too cold to eat outside.  A very pretty place with the harbour and lighthouse.  A summer visit would be great; I could then eat my picnic lunch looking at the water.

Carol, the train traveller

This meeting brought up many ideas on the subject of ‘Change’.  The eleven us us came up with – a different address, small coins, phases of the moon, diagnosis of a potential life-threatening disease, different gear in a car, wearing different cloths, a peel of bells, and change of heart.

My contribution was similar to some others –

A baby grows and changes slowly, weight and length increases.  After a few months the gurgling sounds become distinct words and the words grow to become sentences.  The change is slow and gradual.

A beautiful flower starts as a tiny bud which, with the influence of sun and rain grows into the colourful flower which we so love.  Slow and constant change.

The phases of the moon are gradual; from new moon to full moon and back again; sure and slow.

But a change is coming which will be sudden and definite.  The Bible says in 1 Corinthians Chapter 15: vs 51-52.  We will all be changed, in a flash in the twinkling of an eye (what could be quicker than a blink)at the last trumpet. 

No time then for gradual change.  The change in our lives needs to be  now before it is too late.

Carol , the changer

Got out of the county at last after the not too bad weather to see a my friends in Dorset for a few days.  Spring is earlier down there – daffs, snowdrops, crocuses and blossom in bloom.  Saw egrets, pheasants, swans, ducks etc. but yet to see a deer in the area. Everyone else has!

They live in a most beautiful village with no shops, no bus service, no street lighting and a Post Office two mornings a week.  I loved it.  Plenty of good walks in the area, both long and short.  The Sunday Service was very meaningful and challenging, with delightful people attending.

Eight hours was a long train journey, but well worth it to see my friends.  The train fares were strange.  For just £1 more I came back First Class.  I quite enjoyed that.

Carol, the northerner gone down south.

I realise the reason I never do well at Quiz Nights is because they don’t ask the right questions.  All the facts I’ve learned I’m never required to share. Mnemonics are supposed to help me remember, but then I forget what they stand for.

What’s – Great Big Hungry Elephants Nearly Consumed Panama, GBHENCP, until I remembered it is the seven countries of Central America.  It’s easier to look at a map!

Likewise – Ants Drift Anticlockwise Longer Than Fleas.  – the six counties of Northern Ireland!!  But I can never remember these nonsense phrases.

Every school child knows – Richard of York Gained Battles In Vain – but I now understand that Violet might not be a colour in it’s own right in the rainbow.

Divorced, Beheaded, Died,

Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.

Easy, but who is who – All Boys Should Come Home Please –

Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard, Parr  – something else no-one is ever going to ask me.

Spelling is another matter – assassination – is made up of four short words – ASS ASS I NATION.  It’s not a word I use very often.

Big Elephants Can’t Always Use Small Exits – I can spell that anyway.

What about – Dash in a real rush hurry or else accident.

I’ll leave you to work that one out for yourself.

Carol, the word-smith.