The Spirit of Christmas - A carol

 

I write a satirical column for our church magazine. My motto comes from Desiderius Erasmus: "What is the matter with telling the truth with a smile?" I have just written this carol which, I hope, makes some serious points beneath the fun. The three characters have had their personalities developed over three decades but I think it is clear from their verses what their attitudes are. I hope some of you know "HMS Pinafore" and will be able to hum along, or even burst into song. 

A Trio for Christmas: Tune – “Never mind the why and wherefore” by Sir Arthur Sullivan (abridged)

 

Thumbscrew Widget:      Let’s give thanks for Christmas frolic, often very alcoholic,

    Twelve whole days of getting plastered going on through Hogmanay.

    Carol singing, bottles clinking, Christmas is a special day!

All:                                          Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary, and the Child.

 

Seth the Preacher:           There’s too much of Christmas frolic, often far too alcoholic

                                         Just commercial exploitation, all awash with gin and beer.

                                         It’s the Roman Saturnalia. Cromwell had the right idea!

All:                          BUT…..  Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary and the Child.

 

Parkin Slipshod:               All enjoy the Christmas frolic, whether dry or alcoholic.

                                          Kings or Shepherds – even Angels – mark the feast in your own way.

                                          Even if you don’t like turkey, Christmas is a special day.

All:                          SO…….. Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary and the Child.

 

Coniston Landscapes

 My next exhibition will be in The Institute, Yewdale Road, Coniston. Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, 10.00 - 6.00 Monday May 22, 10.00 - 4.00. It is in aid  (50/50) of the Mountain Rescue Team. I have only twice had to call out the Coniston MRT, when I have met other fell walkers in difficulties, but I can think of no better cause for lovers of the Lake District fells. 

There will be large paintings, medium-sized paintings, small paintings, hand-painted cards, Christmas cards, and post cards. 

Prices - well, original paintings can't cost nothing, but these will be far less than gallery prices. There's no need to buy anything anyway (though I hope you will). There will be plenty of ways just to donate lots to the MRT.

Coniston Water is, of course, the main subject in many of the paintings. 

But there are many pictures made from high on the fells - mostly in easy walking range of the village.

The little corners, appreciated as you walk past can be just as important to a lover of the district as the wide vistas.

Almost all the pictures are of the Coniston area, but I am lucky to have a possible place to stay in Borrowdale as well.

There is a wide variety of seasons and weather conditions.

Some of the pictures are of places I have loved to play for nearly 70 years. All the paintings are either from sketches, or from pitching my easel on the spot. All the paintings include vivid memories for me. There will be well over 50 paintings.

I do hope you will be able to call in. It will be lovely to see you.