11 As we look forward to the easing of Covid-related restrictions, it is easy to talk about getting ‘back to normal’. But will that happen? What does ‘normal’ mean? What kind of ‘normal’ do we want? It is entirely possible that some restrictions like ‘physical distancing’ (and maybe face-coverings in confined places) could be with […]

10 Some small but welcome moves to ease lockdown restrictions were announced yesterday – being able to meet more people outdoors, engage in more outdoor exercise, more pupils returning to school, and re-opening of places of worship for up to 50 from 26 March. We are still awaiting details from the Church Offices about re-opening

9 The media are full of their reactions to the television interview aired last night. Although the story relates to the royal family, apart from the publicity it could so easily be a story from any family up and down the country, or around the world: someone doesn’t ‘fit in’, someone doesn’t feel accepted, a

8              International Women’s Day I remember a conversation some years ago with a friend, who is a well-qualified biologist, about the preponderance of drakes rather than ducks on a pond or river. Her answer was along the lines of: the females tend to stay in the background, while the males put on a lot of

6              British Science Week Yesterday marked the start of British Science Week, an annual ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is particularly designed to inspire and encourage young people to find interest, challenge and fun in these areas of learning. Over the past year we have greatly appreciated the contribution of

5              World Day of Prayer This year’s World Day of Prayer has been prepared by women from Vanuatu, an archipelago republic North East of Australia, formerly known as the New Hebrides. Its 82 islands (65 of which are inhabited) stretch over some 560 miles from North to South, and were volcanic in origin. Some of

4              World Book Day “What are you reading at the moment?” a question asked in many Zoom chats over the last year. Most of us take reading for granted, and find pleasure and relaxation in it. UNESCO, the United Nations agency, established World Book Day to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young

3              National hearing day During the pandemic restrictions we have become accustomed to wearing face coverings when we go into shops etc. Sometimes we have ‘fun’ trying to recognise someone behind their face covering. We also find challenges trying to have a conversation when you have to stand 2m apart and talk from behind 3