Thought for the Day

27 November The English national lockdown ends next Wednesday, and yesterday local authorities and the public were told into which of the Tier areas (with tougher restrictions) they would be put. Obviously there are many very real issues about livelihoods, mental health, care for vulnerable people etc, and in no sense should anyone be sitting […]

26 November The Chancellor gave his one-year spending review yesterday, with updated forecasts on the state of the economy and employment. For many people the talk of borrowing as a percentage of GDP etc tends not to attract their interest. Most are probably more interested in matters like the level of benefits, pensions, taxes and

25 November International Day for the elimination of violence against women Violence against women is understood by the UN to encompass a range of actions including psychological, physical and sexual violence. It can be carried out in the home, or in the wider culture, it can be by family members or complete strangers. Essentially the

24 November Never mind Christmas plans, what about today, the here and now? Infection rates are much lower than they were, and appear to be part of a general downward trend  – presumably in response to the strict Tier regulations that are in place. At least that suggests there is gain from the pain. But

23 November There is much in the media today about Christmas being ‘saved’. We know what they mean – the ‘usual’ sort of midwinter festivities. It won’t be exactly the same as in previous years, as Christmas markets were cancelled some months ago; pantomimes, concerts, school events etc won’t be happening; church services (now what

All members of the Dumbarton congregations will this week be receiving a Christmas card with details of church services in the Dumbarton Linkage between Advent Sunday (29 November) and Epiphany (6 January). The details and times are correct. However the link to the YouTube channel takes you to the Remembrance service on 8 November, rather

21 November World Hello Day No I hadn’t heard of it either, but it’s the 48th. It started after the Yom Kippur War in 1973, with the objective of promoting conversation to resolve differences. The idea is that you say ‘Hello’ to 10 different people today – and preferably have a conversation with each one.

20 November World Children’s Day Established by the UN 66 years ago, it was on this day in later years that it adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on Rights of the Child. Both are recognised in our education system, and in other parts of public life. It is

19 World Toilet Day Yes, today really is the UN-sponsored World Toilet Day. Snigger, snigger! Not if you are one of the 4 billion people who don’t have access to safe sanitation. That can mean women having to go into the bush after dark (with all the associated dangers), people in slums using plastic bags

West Dunbartonshire is moving into Tier 4 restrictions on Friday 20 November, which will be in place until reviewed on 11 December. Under this arrangement the maximum number allowed in buildings for worship is 20 – including the minister, organist, welcome team and audio-visual team. That will mean a big reduction in the number of