Places I have lived in the UK - Hull

I lived in Hull for 4 years and worked in the Longhill estate building up a congregation. It was then a very rough estate but we felt very much welcomed and wanted. Whilst at Brownies one evening, my daughter walked for the first time. We worked very hard and was good to see a very good sized congregation emerge. The yearly Christmas Day Dinners were one of the many highlights. The people were very nice, the elderly, the families, the youngsters, the disabled and Down Syndrome group - everyone just loved to come to the various activities and worship and have fun. There was very little money, very little equipment, and very little support from anywhere yet we had four wonderful years in ministry and were sad to leave them all as we had seen such wonderful changes in people and seen them grow so much spiritually.

The Ironies of Life! Here we were in Hull, but just before arriving, everything packed, we were told there was no house for us (we are still not sure what that was all about!) but anyway we were placed in the hostel for about six months whilst a house was sorted out. No health ans safety or safe and sound all those years ago!! We were in the family section but Philip would go up and down the lift on his own and wander all over the place and talk to all sorts of strangers and we never thought anything of it. We were very careful with him but nowadays it would be a very different thing I am sure. People did think it funny that we were in the Army and homeless!! For John it meant a lot of travelling or long days away but the children (and I) loved it. Fish tanks, lots of new people to talk with, meet and and listen to. Some wonderful stories, some tragic, some odd and some very funny. And...a huge toy store across the road opened at that time. The children loved to 'play' with toys since theirs were all packed except for teddy bears, a couple of Transformers and a Barbie doll.


Sadly, the Salvation Army as it was in Longhill no longer exists but I know that a group still meets in someones home and they recently wrote to me to say that a lot of money is being raised for the Helping Hand Projects. I thank the Lord for the priviledge I had to be there at that time. I learnt so much from them and from the experiences we all went through.

Hull is still enjoying a time of change and refurbishment throughout the town. It is about time!

God Bless Hull as it recovers from the floods.

Places I have lived in the UK - Filey

I lived in Filey for three years whilst working full time in the Salvation Army in Mitford Street. My daughter was born in Scarborough Hospital Maternity Unit. I knew this place very well as I had to stay there throughout my pregnancy. Sarah was 4.2lbs (Caesarean section)and came home a couple of weeks later. Again, no breasfeeding. So really it is no good asking me questions about giving birth, etc...as I did not really experience all the normal things. She was so healthy the unit let her come home before reaching the 5lbs.!

I remember feeling rather annoyed because whilst in intensive care for three scary days (for John!) I was told that the catholic priest had given me the last rites...? That was not what upset me but the fact that I was not covered up whilst he was doing this!!! Whenever I saw him after that I would try to avoid him! hehehe!


We had a lovely time in Filey and found the people hard working and passionate about witnessing which they did particularly in the summer on the beach and with holiday makers. The food at the Salvation Army was always great and the volunteers and helpers wonderful people. The Singers which still sing now were rather special. One season the wind on the Country Park was so strong that my parents caravan nearly blew away! Filey was also gorgeous in the snow, specially down the ravine. Philip enjoyed walking to the Brigg!

It is good to hear that the Salvation Army there is still doing so well and thriving!

I Love The Google! - Japan

Yesterday, in Japan, it was Children's Day
According to The Canadian Press, Japan is having huge problems because of the lack of children about and will continue to have many problems into the future.

The Best of British - The Royal Family

Princess Diana would have been so proud of her boys!
Click here to find 'Princess Diana Tea'

Valentine's Day 2008

My daughter has recently left home for university, and I found it very hard to adjust to not seeing her every day. I have now been married for nearly 28 years (I married young!), but I'm realizing that, as time goes by, I can now concentrate on myself and our relationship. It's great! It's as if we're on honeymoon again! If you are in a similar situation - don't despair, there's hope!

Usually I have been too busy to even think about Valentine's Day! But this time I haven't! There was no need to spend a fortune, and I've been looking forward to the day. I made John a card, I bought him a gift from the coffee morning and jumble sale, a ready-meal on special offer, a sell-by lemon drizzle cake, and we're planning to watch a DVD tonight. So for under a fiver, it's cheap and cheerful, and he need never know!

He has just asked me about the possibility of him cooking dinner tonight... Hey, things are looking up!