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From the Vicarage - January
I remember many years ago taking my young goddaughter and her brother to Halifax and watching the figure of Archimedes way up high, being lowered into his bathtub, and hearing and watching the water gushing out. “ Eureka !” That is, of course, both the name of the Museum we were visiting and the moment being dramatically re-enacted by the Archimedes installation. That simple ‘bathtub moment’ led the ancient Greek mathematician and scientist to immediately grasp a new understa

Rev'd Carolyn James
Jan 52 min read


From the Vicarage - December
When did you see your first Christmas Jumper, this year? Mine was the morning of 1 st November in Wetherby, and it was being nonchalantly worn by a gentleman fetching in his bin. The wearing of the Christmas Jumper will by now have gained momentum and will reach a climax around 11 th / 12 th Dec, when Christmas Jumper Day is kept in countless workplaces and schools. The brightest and jolliest jumpers will be put on and worn with pride and delight and in the process, donat

Rev'd Carolyn James
Nov 30, 20252 min read


From the Vicarage - November
November is a Remembering month. The Remembering of All Saints; All Souls and All whom we have loved and see no longer - 2nd November (this year 2nd Nov at St Oswald’s). The Remembering of World Wars, past conflicts, sacrifices made and lives lost - 11th November, and Remembrance Sunday (this year 9th November at the Memorial Hall). The Remembering of Guy Fawkes, the gunpowder plot and a time of political and religious unrest - 5th November. Remembering is a complex but signi

Rev'd Carolyn James
Nov 7, 20253 min read


From the Vicarage - October
Does anybody else remember the escapades of “ My Naughty Little Sister ...” - a series of stories written by Dorothy Edwards and...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Oct 4, 20253 min read


From the Vicarage - September
YOU & BUNTING The question most often asked when people step inside St Oswald‘s Church is, “How old is it?” It seems a simple question,...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Sep 3, 20253 min read


From the Vicarage - July & August
March to May was reported as the sunniest on record. June brought showers, but also the longest day of the year. That said, I imagine...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Jul 3, 20252 min read


From the Vicarage - June
“Our Father….” If I said those words in the midst of a gathering of people, and asked others to join in, I have little doubt that very...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Jun 2, 20252 min read


From the Vicarage - May
A year ago, the present Diocese of Leeds was celebrating its 10th Anniversary – ten years earlier the Dioceses of Ripon and Leeds,...

Rev'd Carolyn James
May 3, 20252 min read


From the Vicarage - April
"Why don't you wear a suit?" The question asked of Ukrainian President Zelensky during his meeting with President Trump in the Oval...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Apr 1, 20252 min read


From the Vicarage - March
“Food, glorious food” For those of us who at some time in our education were taught Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we will remember that...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Mar 2, 20252 min read


From the Vicarage - February
It is now 5 days ago (as I write) since we awoke to our winter wonderland! Snow often divides opinion – initial delight at the scene on...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Feb 3, 20252 min read


From the Vicarage - January
What will you be doing to ‘bring in’ New Year? Will it be partying, or snoozing, getting over the night before, or stepping out into the...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Jan 2, 20252 min read


From the Vicarage - December
The Church of England's 2024 theme for the festive season ahead is:- “Follow the Star: Calm and Bright”. Those who are well versed in...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Dec 1, 20242 min read


From the Vicarage - November
I sit to write these words one day after 7th October - a day now become an anniversary for all the wrong reasons! I have also just heard...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Nov 1, 20242 min read
From the Vicarage - October
“For one special week every year (since the 1970s), we Turn the World on its Head, and get Prisoners praying for Prison Officers Victims...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Oct 12, 20242 min read


From the Vicarage - September
“…a Profession of Hope !” It’s a phrase I came across recently used in an article written by … a Farmer . The author described how: - “...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Sep 1, 20242 min read


From the Vicarage - July
Desert Island Discs is a radio programme which will be familiar to many, having been on the soundwaves for over 80 years. A guest or...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Jul 1, 20242 min read


From the Vicarage - June
Those of you who have not yet given Collingham Community Cinema a go – you are missing a treat. Back in January there was a showing of...

Rev'd Carolyn James
May 31, 20242 min read


From the Vicarage - May
At our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (held a couple of weeks before Easter) I shared with those present my own passion for one of the...

Rev'd Carolyn James
May 2, 20242 min read


From the Vicarage - April
A new gold sovereign was recently issued by the Royal Mint commemorating the first 500 days of our new King’s reign. These gold coins...

Rev'd Carolyn James
Apr 4, 20242 min read


