I had occasion, as is often the case, to be staying in Richmond, on the outskirts of London, to pay my monthly pilgrimage to support my (nearly) lifelong source of joy, heartache, frustration, disappointment and friendship; otherwise known as Brentford Football Club, currently mid table in the Premier League.

Although I am a good friend of one of the club's previous star centre forwards, I don't normally get the opportunity to get to know any of the current incumbents.

Walking with my wife towards the station for a theatre trip, I was very surprised to have a very close encounter (otherwise known as a near collision) with the Team Captain and Danish International, who I had only been watching play less than 18 hours previous and whom I was destined to see score the winning goal in a televised match just a few days later!

A combination of typical British "reserve", respect for his right to privacy, the presence of my wife, who is most definitely not a football fan, and about 0.5% doubt, combined to allow Christian and myself to pass smoothly by (just) in the few seconds it took for the whole event to be over. He was totally oblivious to me, of course.

We were like passing ships in the night!.

In North Petherwin, if he were ever to decide to live here, it wouldn't take long for he and I to get to know each other. Our parish is like that, isn't it. But in Richmond, or anywhere in London, it is virtually impossible. Although, as it happens, I talk to quite a few people on my travels, but there has to be a good reason or excuse!

But I often think about the people on all those passing vehicles, who flash by in an instant. I am highly unlikely to meet or ever get to know them. How can I?

And yet, it is very well worth remembering that there is someone who knows each of us intimately, no matter how quickly we pass him by.

His name is God.

Thank you for reading this,

Ken.

PLEASE NOTE. This and all other entries in 'News and Notices' are usually listed in order of date published or amended.