International Questions

Teaching at the University Centre in Grimsby brings with it some unexpected but welcome surprises.  I was honoured this last week to be asked by a Lebanese student about my view of his family's considerations concerning a change of name for their family company.  The company had previously been founded in his grandfather's name.  Later "and Sons" had been added to indicate the involvement of the next generation.  The situation now is that the company is beginning to trade globally, including seeking markets in the UK, and they are anxious to present a professional image to potential customers.  Hence his question to me.  Not only that, though, but both his brother AND sisters are involved in the company and they want to convey that to the world.  Could "& Sons" be changed to "& Generations"? Or "& Family"?

Fascinating question and one which suggests Lebanon (or at least this family) may be way ahead of other countries in its inclusiveness!

The photo is totally unrelated but shows our newly installed solar panels!

Reality

Had a good morning today sharing in worship at Beaconthorpe Methodist Church in Cleethorpes.  Made to feel very welcome but we didn't shirk away from the reality of life - we considered the Lectionary Psalm (8) and the day's Gospel reading in the context of the week's news of child abductions and allegations of sexual assault of teenage girls by now deceased celebrities.  Christian worship has to be rooted in the life we share on Mother Earth and not set apart.  So we also celebrated this last week's Feast Day of St Francis.

Afterwards, it was so good to meet the son of the late Colin Carr, a celebrated local artist famed for his depictions of local scenes in North East Lincolnshire & round about.  His son, also called Colin, is giving a talk about his father and his work at the National Fishing Heritage Centre on 1 November.  It promises to be a really interesting evening.

Saturdays

Saturdays.  Made for lie-ins.  Especially after a long week of teaching.  Made for almond croissants and the Yorkshire Post for breakfast.  Especially now that we have a Tesco Express close by (the old Market Hotel building).  Did I ever say how much I love the Yorkshire Post?  Especially on a Saturday.  This is odd for someone who grew up with an aversion to Yorkshire.  I think that aversion may have started when Anglia Television was replaced by Yorkshire Television as our ITV channel way way back.

Anyway, I love the Yorkshire Post.  I'd take out a subscription but I'd never get through them all.  I still have most of last week's sections unread.  I love it all the same.  Especially the Saturday magazine.  There's always an interview with a famous Yorkshire man/woman.  They're usually from Lancashire or darn sarf.  Today it is Revd Chris Howson, currently serving in Bradford but soon to be chaplain at Sunderland University.

One of the questions he's asked is to name his favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.  His answer is actually exactly what I would say.  "I've always had a soft spot for, and am a big fan of, Chumbawamba, who are such creative alternative musicians - they've certainly come a long way from living in a squat in Armley in Leeds.  And another musician and singer that I admire greatly is South Yorkshire's Kate Rusby.  She could sing the opening page of the phone book for me. and still be enchanting and original."

Did I ever mention that I know someone on Twitter who rang the church bells at Kate Rusby's wedding?