Where is your refuge?

Recently, I was asked where would be my place of refuge. Perhaps, it's an easy question to answer when we have the Tower of Refuge in Douglas Bay.

In around 1824, Sir William Hillary conceived the idea of a life boat service manned by a trained crew. This idea was the fore runner of our RNLI. The tower was built on Coniston Rock, after Hillary had been washed overboard from a lifeboat, when trying to save a Steam Packet vessel. He already knew the waters of the Irish Sea were dangerous and he discovered the distance to the shore was too far to swim. The tower gave shipwrecked survivors a refuge, equipped with fresh water and bread, while awaiting their rescue.

For someone brought up near the sea, and loving many kinds of boats, it's a classic sailing boat that I would consider my refuge. There is something comfy and purposeful about how some boats are laid out below decks. Secure accessible stowage is essential, everything has its own particular place, so that it won't go missing, get broken or cause damage if left lying about. I do remember going over an old folk boat, some years ago, which had its own tiny woodburning stove, very cosy.

It's also possible to batten down the hatches from below in inclement weather and if the weather is violent, then the sea anchors could be used. Although, the safest place to be in a boat in bad weather is, of course, in a harbour.

We have a Maritime Artist on the Island called Nicola Dixon, whose compositions are delightful, quirky and I love them. She also has connections with IYRS in Newport RI, as do we! With her permission - here is one of her pictures of the outer Castletown Harbour.

http://www.nicoladixon.com/

Weekend Achievements III

One of the reasons for the mini gathering at the weekend was to talk about the forthcoming wedding. There's just so much to organise. We are very thankful for all the preparations that are already underway in Salisbury. The Church is booked, though the emails and calls to the vicar remain unanswered. The venue for the reception is sorted, and so too are the caterers.

Two wedding mags were brought by Ruth for us to peruse. Well, what an industry has been created around the 'Big Day'! Some choices are quite mad in my opinion. Why give favours of any type to those who are attending - these are rather like party bags from children's celebrations, but at even greater cost, and probably quickly forgotten by the recipient?

We happened to get chatting to a couple over a cup of coffee today. They told us that she had been unable to get a wedding dress in the three months they had between the proposal and day. You apparently need at least six months to get a dress sorted. Why? This was a few years ago, but it's the same today for Ruth.

In my role I have conducted quite a number of weddings. One or two have been great occasions, which have been significant moments for the couples which I know they will treasure throughout their marriages.

Some have been quite different. Occasionally, the little bridesmaids or page boys are children of the bride, and would not be prized away from their mothers skirts, causing all kinds of chaos. I remember one of the first I conducted the video man set up a huge tripod which towered behind and above my 5ft 1in being. There was quite an exchange to get it moved before the service began. Each incident, and there have been many, equips the vicar in a new way - always on the learning curve!

There's a beautiful prayer from the marriage service that, from time to time, I have encouraged those being married to include in their service sheets so all present can participate in:

God of wonder and of joy;
grace comes from you,
and you alone are the source of life and love.
Without you, we cannot please you;
without your love, our deeds are worth nothing.
Send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
that we may worship you now with thankful hearts
and serve you always with willing minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

It's my prayer for my son and his bride that their preparations will run smoothly and that they'll not be distracted by those things that are unnecessary for their Wedding Day.

With the Queen in Bermuda

The Queen is in Bermuda for a short visit to celebrate the Islands 400 yrs. Ivor will be arriving there later today to spend Thanksgiving with his Godmother Susie, and her family.

When I was there in '76 the Queen came to visit and travelled on Britannia, here docked in Hamilton. Now there is no Britannia, which had been our floating Embassy. This time she has arrived by air and stepped onto the 'Pink' carpet rather than red. (Pink to represent the coral beaches.) She was met by the Governor and Premier.

Ivor is expecting the red carpet, and is looking forward to special relaxing time with his Bermuda family. He has been hard at work, in school at IYRS, restoring a Chris-Craft. His particular red carpet treatment, I am reliably informed, will include beer and chat!

Photos are from family archives I took in 1976, Susie is sitting on her aunt's knee.

Shorebased Yachtmaster

While we were being battered by the storms, while our sisters and brothers were being deluged and washed away in Cumbria, the Yachtmaster class were doing shorebased training.


Land based teaching, training and examining of the aspirant yachtmasters, takes place in the Hamble at the School.

A tour of Peel Harbour over the weekend confirmed the terrible sea conditions. All the fishing boats were safely moored in the harbour - out of harms way.

Those who are living through terrible times in Cumbria are in my prayers, so too are those who work on the sea:

Here's a Sailor's Psalm:

Others went out to sea in ships
and did their business on the great oceans.
They saw what the Lord could do,
the miracles he did in the deep oceans.
He spoke, and a storm came up,
which blew up high waves.
The ships were tossed as high as the sky
and fell low to the depths.
The storm was so bad that they lost their courage.
They stumbled and fell like people who were drunk
They did not know what to do.
In their misery they cried out to the Lord,
and he saved them from their troubles.
He stilled the storm
and calmed the waves.
Then were they glad because of the calm,
and God guided them to the harbour they wanted.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his love
and the miracles he does for people.
from Psalm 107

Life's journey will always be through storms, as well as calm. Sometimes we can avoid distressing storms, as the fishing boats have done throughout the last week here on the island. There will be times when the only thing to do is to hove to, metaphorically or literally, and face out the tossing of the storm, knowing that we're never without hope.

A Prayer ~
Rescue us, Lord
from the storms.
Still our fears,
calm our minds
and bring us
safely into harbour.
Amen

These charts, pictured, were my father's - in the bottom left hand corner is written:
Based upon British Admiralty Charts, with permission of the Controller of HM Stationery Office, and the Hydrographer of the Navy Apl. 1954 - 424. Corrected to 1955.

Weekend Achievements II

Meal times have always been central to our family life. We have always gathered around the table to share food and talk about the day - and - decisions are best made on a full tummy.

We ate well throughout the weekend. One course we had was a wonderful bowl of queenies on a rocket salad with balsamic glaze. Yum. Though the glasses are empty they were frequently being refilled.

Queenies are a delicacy of the Isle of Man. In or out of season (ours had been frozen) these tiny scallops are gorgeous. A favourite family grace is

Come Lord Jesus be our guest
and may our food by you be blessed.

Weekend Achievements I

While the boys were growing up I always wanted a car with 7 seats. Today we have one!

Having six adults to ferry around this weekend it was extremely useful. We all managed to pile into the car and do a bit of sightseeing. Here are Susan and Ruth looking quite happy - though they did comment they could only see where we had been. Friday the weather was sunny so Terry and Susan had a quick nip up to St John's and then we had a lovely tea in Harbour Lights in Peel. There really is nothing like a good cuppa! Ruth and Mally arrived on the last Gatwick flight and we had late supper.

Saturday saw the Bride and Groom going to the Jewellers to size up for their wedding rings. Meanwhile the oldies had a look at Laxey Wheel in torrential rain before abandoning the island tour. We then all piled back into the car and took a trip to the Calf instead. The storm ensured the sea was choppy and only a few souls braved the inclement weather, amidst the spume and flying seaweed, to view the local seals. We discovered we had severe 'window measles' on our return.

Wizzy took our visitors out for many walks. They are seen discussing the geography of the Island in relation to the the mainland. It really is good to spend time with our extending family.

Blogging attire

Having an ancient laptop requires finding all kinds of ways to overcome technology trouble. A new hub seemed to be the answer, and for a while all went well. Today it appears that the 'akasa' has given up the ghost so am back to plugging things in one at a time.

This sneaky photo was taken by Ally while I was trying to combat all the problems AND the low level of our winter sun.

Victor Meldrew Moments III

I don't believe it.

The new window put in place just weeks' ago has water streaming down the walls on either side. The storm has not abated at any point of the day.

Visitors who ventured out into the inclement weather could only come in through the back door as the road was closed. Michelle and Julie came to help tidy up, in readiness for the arrival of almost in-laws and the Bride and Groom. The girls were closely followed by Chris and Colin who proceeded to pull up floorboards to find out where the water is getting in. We have a fresh layer of dust tonight. Really need to practise patience.

Celebrating Ally's b'day with a glass of wine and cup of tea!

Window Measles

Yet another storm ... well it IS autumn.

The tides are interesting! We are coming off springs. These are the highest tidal ranges in the cycle. Over the last few days we have taken a pounding. This can last about an hour or so either side of high tide. Each crashing wave shaking the house and creating havoc on the road. It makes quite a lively time and Wizzy wants to nuzzle under the covers in the night! Here she is hiding under a table and dustsheet!

High tide plus high winds, increases the likelihood of flying debris, and seaweed gets everywhere. You can see the 'window measles' here. If seaweed manages to dry it sticks like limpets even to vertical surfaces. We have to hope the rain falls shortly after or measles can last for days.

A friend came to visit today as just as high tide was reached. Very bravely she used the front door and managed to dodge the spray and debris. (We use the back entrance at lively high tides.) For quite a long time we stood at the window and surveyed the crashing waves, flying debris and sloshing water that filled the road and blocked the drains.

There is something reassuring watching all the elemental activity from the comfort of our living room.

During storms, either in nature or in lives, we need to find shelter. Just like Wizzy we all need our refuges.

Pollack and Pesticles!

I'm sorry I haven't a clue

This has got to be the funniest programme on the radio. Tonight's was the first time the replacement to Humph - Jack Dee took the chair. Hilarious and quick witted it truly is - the antidote to panel games! -


Amongst the nonsense of this evening was the amusing comment on the nutty political correctness of our time. Would you believe that a supermarket has decided to rename, Pollack!

Go to have a listen
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00nv8ng

In the waiting

Loving God
We place in your gentle hands
those who are sick.
Ease their pain and
heal the damage
done to them
in body, mind or spirit.

Be present to them
through the support
of family and friends,
and medical staff.
Fill them with the
warmth of your love
Now and always
AMEN

Held in prayer

Today my dear cousin is undergoing surgery for cancer.

Holding her and those who minister to her before God. Holding, too, her husband, all her family and all friends near or far who await news.