There isn’t much to report this month – not a lot happened during April, and little is planned for May. Personally I’ve been catching up on DIY and reading…

The Directory is missing again because no events are now planned (Even Churchyard Tidying is cancelled...) But we welcome Revd. Pete’s Dear Friends article about connectedness. And Tony Service apprises us about how the virus has had an impact on the Methodist Circuit. Tony has helpfully given me some texts on the modern age and shares a hymn that reflects on the isolation that many will be feeling just now.

Mike Bunn appears to be sitting out the lock down in the garden – fortified with the odd beer we hope – which has led to some reflections on how the wildlife is making itself known during the lockdown. Good work Mike!

Revd. Roy Shaw reports on the deteriorating situation in Kenya. The problems with the locusts are increasing, leading to a sharp rise in food prices. Further the country is now in lock down. Please remember St Dorcas in your prayers and donate to the charity via Revd. Roy if you are able.

I received a lovely letter from Sheila and John Noble thanking the St Wilfrid’s Parish volunteers for their help in getting in the shopping and being a friendly voice on the telephone. In a similar vein I have included some articles from Parish Pump on the subject of kindness.

Finally I report on the WHO ‘Year of the Nurse’ celebrations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. How appropriate that this has occurred whilst we are all relying on the NHS more than ever?

Please note that most of the paper copies will not be available this month because of problems with delivery. If you would like a paper copy please let me know, and I’ll let you have once we are allowed out again.

John