Seven Again

Posted Sunday 3 June 2012

The Diocese seemed quiet after the Irish had gone, but not for long, for on Saturday the Lay Representatives of the Diocese came to Arpafeelie for their annual meeting with the Bishop.  We also decided this year to try and have all the treasurers along as well, giving them time with the Diocesan Treasurer to ensure that the accounts were okay. So for most of the day we had people all over the place, meetings in the Bishops Room, the Meeting Room, the church and the sitting room of the house, then everyone piled into the kitchen for lunch. It was a good day; people were able to ask questions and to swap ideas.

On Sunday I had to travel all the way to St John’s, Arpafeelie for the morning service, a swift walk across the lawn and we were there, it is always special to be at home on a Sunday. Following the service the girls changed into pink tutu’s and tee shirts as they were all to “Race for Life” at the Bucht Park. Bishop Eden’s Primary School had entered a team and after a warm up routine that I successfully ignored they were off. I of course was not allowed to enter, though I was sooo keen to run!! Jane, Beth and Mara ran really well and following photographs we all headed home for afternoon tea.

The week flew past with a succession of midweek services at which I had the pleasure of meeting up with those at the Cathedral, St John’s, Inverness and St Andrew’s, Fortrose who faithfully attend the Eucharist during the week.

Then it was off to Edinburgh to see how they would run a consecration, we all sat and looked interested during the rehearsal, we stood up, sat down and smiled then we were allowed out to play. The Bishops and Bishop’s wives along with Bishop Elect John and Clair all shared dinner together before I engaged the most amazing person in conversation, amazing because he offered me a dram from a bottle of 50 year old Dalmore, it was pure nectar. He and his friend, who were both from Denmark, had been here buying top quality whisky to take home, that evening they had held a tasting and we just caught then with the last remains, thank you!

The Consecration went off without any major hitches, the weather was good enough for us all to partake of refreshments on the cathedral lawn before Jane and I caught the train and headed home. We met up with lots of friends and chatted with many new people.  It was a good day, and for the first time since +Martin retired there are now seven bishops for seven dioceses.