A Square Font

Early this morning I completed the paperwork, including lots of sums, in preparation for a visit to Garry Price, our financial adviser, at his home in Pagham, near Bognor Regis.

Jackie drove us over there where we lunched at The Lamb. Jackie enjoyed her Reuben sandwich, French fries and salad; I was equally pleased with my ham, egg, and chips. My Chauffeuse drank Diet Coke while I drank Doom Bar.

We took Garry’s advice on a mortgage switch then drove to the equally excellent Woodmancote in Woodmancote Lane, Woodmancote, where we met and dined with Becky and Ian before returning home. My meal was a tasty, well-filled, steak pie; new potatoes; green beans, orange carrots, and creamy white cauliflower. I drank an enjoyable tangy local bitter. I hereby invite the others, should they so desire, to report on their own meals in the comments below. (See Becky’s comment)

As we left Pagham we noticed a pair pf swans at home in someone’s front garden.

Taking a slight diversion on our way to Woodmancote, we came across the Church of St Giles, Merston.

Jackie photographed the laminated information sheet about this church dating from the time of King William the Conqueror. Accessing the gallery with a click on either image will facilitate necessary enlargement to read the fascinating history.

Climbing the pulpit for one shot, she also pictured me in the interior.

Her other pictures involved light from windows illuminating the altar area and that of the

square baptismal font dating from the late 12th or early 13th century.

I concentrated on the, mostly memorial, stained glass windows.

Raymond James Salinger 15.10.21 – 30.12.17

CLICK ON EITHER IMAGE IN CLUSTER TO ACCESS ENLARGED GALLERY

I only had the pleasure of knowing Ron’s father, Ray, during his last few years. I learned enough to echo the many observations that he was a true, kind, gentleman.

Ray's funeral service001

I was honoured to be asked to produce the photograph on the front cover of the Service Leaflet for his funeral today.  It is a crop from one I made in August, and was the last opportunity anyone had of taking a good photograph of Ray. To have been there to do that was a blessing.

Ray's funeral service002

15th September 2015 was the 70th anniversary of Ray’s wedding to Daphne, who survives him. Again, I was pleased to have been asked by Ron to make improved prints of the couple’s wedding album. One of those appears on the back cover. (The family are aware of the unfortunate typo re Prostate Cancer UK)

I had determined not to add any further photographs to this post, but a higher power intervened. Jackie and I occupied seats fronting the Baptismal font, against which had been placed a vase of white lilies. When a shaft of sunlight bestowed a beatific glow upon the open bloom I saw this as a symbol demanding inclusion.

The refreshments at Tyrrells Ford were excellent. A plentiful and well-filled variety of sandwiches, warm sausage rolls, and salad, was followed by an array of cakes. I chose a thick slice of moist fruit cake. Tea and coffee were provided, and the first drink at the bar was free of charge to the guests.