Why is everyone so afraid of change? We cannot help it; it is in our nature to be suspicious of anything that is unusual or unknown to us. So what do we do? Close the door; batten down the hatches. We try to pretend that we don't care; the more we pretend, the more we do care, don't we?
Of course, we make a rod for our own back; once the hatches are battened down, the rust soon sets in; can we get them open? can we *****, lose face? not on your ******! On a personal level, I am going through a lot of changes. RETIREMENT (thankfully!); change of HOME (excitedly), and like most women of my age, a change of LIFE STYLE!! (gratefully). As with everything, it is a matter of taking Life as it comes and remembering the past but most of all, looking forward to the Future.
The title of this piece seemed quite appropriate, when something moved me to put pen to paper at 4.00 a.m. on this Monday morning, February 22nd 1999. Oh, yes! I remember.
At one of our New Year Services at Calveley, during the coffee break! (so called because at Calveley we have a sink, cups, coffee, milk, sugar, and - at that time - NO WATER!) (Late January this was resolved, thanks to very kind Water Board men, Nor-west Holst)……… So, we just chatted in early January, about our Church Organ which, we have been advised, is in need of an expensive cleaning operation; and at little Calveley we only have a few regular worshippers who attend our beautiful Church.
Never one to be accused of being too bright, I piped up, "As Den and I are selling the farm and moving away in just four months, we will have a "DO" to raise money for the Church, while we still have room." But of course, I know something you don't know. The Calveley Hall Lane ladies are fantastic cooks, and are also the kindest, most generous of neighbours, aged between 17 years and ---Gosh, you don't look that age!!
And so, our "Fork Supper" for Calveley Church started at 7.00 p.m. Fifty tickets were printed, fiftythree were sold! Plus four special guests, our new Vicar and his wife, and the young couple who have bought our farm, plus ten helpers.
Now the confusion begins. The new Vicar, just out of hospital, arrived on his own; Mrs. Gates sending her apologies. Mr. and Mrs. Wood (the new owners) insisted on helping out by parking cars and running the Bar; a good way to meet the neighbours!
But, who was the glamorous man in the grey suit? Not local, obviously. Perhaps one of Amy's friends from Manchester or London. Didn't she once go out with a Stunt Man who doubled for Mel Gibson in "Brave Heart"? Perhaps this is Richard Gere's stunt double? "I am sure I have seen him before. "Me too." An actor maybe, or even a Hollywood star? Everyone who had not met the new Vicar decided that the white haired gentleman, sitting down in the corner, chatting to everyone, was the New Man.
I stood up and said that as the Vicar was just out of Hospital and was perhaps a little tired, would everybody gather round to watch him draw the raffle, before he was taken home by Judy (who lives by Calveley Church, but is of the Catholic persuasion).
Just for one second there was silence: all eyes on the white haired gentlemen, waiting for him to stand up. But no! Sharp intake of breath, followed by a low female sigh ... Edwina's really done it this time! The new Vicar is Richard Gere!! ........................
The telephone rang many times over the following days; friends from far and wide. "Thanks for such a good evening Ed; by the way, what time are the Services at Calveley Church? and which other Churches are in the Parish?" One person even said, "Isn't he good looking? I cannot remember if I was Christened or not; perhaps he could put that right?"
I think everyone enjoyed themselves, we did not have any complaints and we made £485 for our
Organ Fund. And it was the night "A star shone at Calveley"
E.M.W.
THE NIGHT A STAR SHONE AT CALVELEY (continued) Post Script: The success of the evening was largely due to the initial inspiration to have it all, by Edwina Worrall, in whose home it was held. Not only this, but they added to their generosity by donating much of the food and wine. We will be sad indeed to see them leave their farm, but not the Church, at Calveley. We wish them both well.
L.C.