A tribute to Canon Dr. Ian Tomlinson, friend, scholar and beloved rector of Ragged Appleshaw

It was a privilege and a joy to have known Ian, when we were at Oxford together on the Master of Theology course at Regent's Park College. Ian went on to study for his Doctor of Ministry at King's College, University of London.

He had a great sense of humour, sometimes dry and droll, and sometimes he enjoyed teasing me and pulling my leg. I remember, during Formal Hall on Fridays, some of his anecdotes and amusing tales of life in the Winchester diocese, where he served faithfully. Ian told his jokes with a great sense of timing.

The tale of the late Bishop John V. Taylor and the sherry party really appeals to my sense of humour. Ian told it so well, and the punchline had me in stitches of laughter.

I am glad to hear that his work as part of his D Min has now been published (posthumously by SCM, edited by Dr. Percy). I will read it next month when I go to the Bodleian Library, or perhaps the Pusey Library at St Cross College.

Historic Harwich prayer walkers

Greetings to the prayers walkers who were prayerwalking yesterday in historic Harwich. What a lovely evening it was near the harbour, with cool breezes blowing on a warm high summer evening.
We visited the parish church of St. Nicholas, which is steeped in history and connected to the Mayflower pilgrims and seafaring folk who settled along the east coast of America, now the USA.

Some of the group ended the walk and guided tour at the Alma inn, once owned by Mayflower Captain Christopher Jones' wife, and in the street where he lived. Tony Francis, who led the group, and I enjoyed steak and lobster, turf and surf. Tasty? Yes! Recommended? Yes! I understand that real ale enthusiasts are never disappointed.

For those interested in dialects and regional accents, some of the local Harwich residents speak in an authentic Essex accent, and not estuary, East End, Cockney, Received Pronunciation, or London accents.

Oregon sucks, so please don't move there! You might make it worse.

I have been to Bend and Sisters in the High Desert area, and  I will be hated if I in any way cause more people to move there. There are bumper stickers that ask people not to move there.

 Portland, that beautiful city on the Willamette, has arguably the best airport in the USA. Landing at PDX on a day when Mount Hood is clearly visible,and when the Cascades can be seen from the airplane window, well that's a magnificent experience.

Images to be added in due course.


Californians are moving north in search of greener pastures, more rain, cheaper property, no sales tax and low crime rates, in fact a better quality of life in many Oregon areas. It is perceived that these people are driving up property prices, exacerbating urban sprawl and spoiling the environment. You may agree, but as a foreigner it is not my place, one can argue, to comment.

Acid attacks on children must be punished by severe custodial sentences

The Worcester acid attack by men on a three year old boy must be punished severely, which
 should  deter others. They should spend many years in custody, locked away under rule 33, for their own protection, being despised by prisoners and public. This would send a strong message that we will not tolerate these acid attacks, particularly on pre school children, innocent infants. Disgraceful!

Arise and Shine Sir Cliff

Sir Cliff Richard has been vindicated and victorious in his High Court landmark privacy battle.

Some people with an agenda have been out to get him. I have been told by reliable sources that Sir Cliff was watched and monitored, under a form of surveillance, by someone wishing to discredit him and gain information to be used against him, to damage his reputation.


Sir Cliff has clearly suffered from intrusive media and mean spirited journalists.
His loyal fans rejoice in his triumph over adversity. Prayers have been answered.

Greetings to brother Baptists from Alabama

Greetings dear brothers in Christ, fellow Baptists from Alabama. May the Lord direct you in paths of righteousness. May you know His presence, and find goodness and grace in the future.

It was a happy and providential meeting yesterday, downtown in Portland, Oregon.
We talked about Charles Haddon Spurgeon, John Bunyan and  Harry Kane. As a North London old lad, I regard him as one of our own. I was wearing a Spurs sports shirt. Someone at an outdoor restaurant table said "Go Spurs" and I responded by shouting out in a loud voice, "Come on you Spurs".

Well done Harry for winning the Golden Boot in Russia.

Safe travels.
Blessings.

FIFA World Cup VAR must be consistent

Criticism of FIFA video assistant referee has been forthcoming when it spots a soft penalty, when Kyle Walker clashes with a Tunisian opponent, but it fails to see two clear fouls on Harry Kane when he was wrestled to the ground. Come on FIFA officials! Get your act together. Twice in the match is unacceptable.