Sacred Wonders
Watching the BBC programme “Sacred Wonders of Britain” I am reminded of the landscapes that form an important part of our history. In addition, I have been reflecting a lot about my history, partly because I live in a landscape that helps me recall it and also because the time I have left on this earth will most likely be less than the time spent on the journey so far. The landscape around me reminds me of that journey.
The word sacred conjures up many different thoughts and emotions but for me, it is anything that connects to my heart and makes me stop and wonder with awe. The last episode of “Sacred Wonders of Britain” refers to several places that have a history of doing that for many people. I would like to talk about two of these and the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning hosted by MacMillan.
Iona Scotland
Neil Oliver’s journey to Iona recalls my own volunteering at Bishop’s House, Iona. I have written about this experience for Interfaith Scotland, the Christian Muslim Forum and whilst there, I wrote my contribution to the publication “Crossing the river” 2014 Pavilion ed Arthur Hawes with Ben Bano.
I would like to talk here about an element of my journey that was poignant but not appropriate for any of the above publications. I think I may have already mentioned the wonderful welcome I got from all the others in the community but they extended that to a visiting friend which was extra special. In addition, there were many special moments, like the time we were having breakfast and someone noticed the refection of the sunrise, on the hotel opposite, and we ran outside to marvel: see picture below. There was also the time when someone hid the cook’s mug in plain sight: just 2 shelves higher than normal but no one, other than those who were in on “joke” could see it.
The return journey was stressful but also provided some special memories. The fact that I am asthmatic no longer plays a significant role in my life, except for, when I am near cats and my return journey from Iona. The journey from Iona to mainland Scotland is such that “for secondary education, pupils go to Oban High School, and stay as weekly boarders in the Oban school hostel” and the various transport providers need to work in close cooperation with each other. The journey involves passing through some beautiful scenery but I stopped noticing this when there was an announcement requesting any passengers, wishing to get the connecting train to Glasgow, to go to the ferry manager immediately. We were told that the ferry would be delayed getting into port so they had contacted the train company asking them to delay their departure: If, however we missed it the ferry company would provide taxis to Glasgow. There were further delays but as we approached the port, the ferry company asked us all to gather by a side exit, which would ensure we had the best opportunity to catch that train. The distance between Oban ferry port to the train station is negligible but when one is stressed, has luggage and asthma it can seem endless. We managed to get to the train, just in the nick of time but I must have been a frightening site and we forgot to pick up our tickets! It’s moments like these that make me realise how traumatic it must be to see someone having an asthma attack. My friend had never seen one and I do not think the train guard had either: I was the only one who knew that all I needed to do is sit, relax and just focus on my breathing; an inhaler and a cup of tea providing extra support.
The guard was a little concerned about how we would get through the barriers at Glasgow without a ticket so he phoned and asked for advice. He was told to keep an eye on me, offer me as much tea as I needed and that someone would support us at Glasgow. When we got to Glasgow someone came to our carriage, escorted us through the barriers and gave us tickets so I would like take this opportunity to thank anyone who works for public transport in Scotland.
Lindisfarne Northumberland
My trip to Lindisfarne was preceded by a weekend charity challenge on Hadrian’s Wall and a week touring Northumberland. A friend had taken me to Hadrian’s Wall and another set picked me up to start the tour. We stayed in Durham and Alnwick where we saw Durham Cathedral’s magnificent Transfiguration Window, the Lindisfarne Gospels Exhibition and many castles. My friends then left me, to make my way to Berwick upon Tweed for my next challenge; trying to find an hotel room and do a trek, for charity to Lindisfarne. It was exhausting but it was done and thanks to some wonderful people I had a place to lay my weary head that night. The entire trip full of history, some wonderful people and deep resonance.
MacMillan Fundraiser.
I have decided to do my own version of the McMillan coffee morning on Saturday 29 September. That is, I will be at home, all day, raising money for McMillan, by inviting people around to share a drink or something to eat for £5. Coffee and cakes are good but we should always be open to other options. Please have a coffee/tea and donate to McMillan at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Qkhan
May we be able to stop, focus on our breathing and abide in peace.
May we all be well, healthy and strong:
May we all be happy.
May we all feel safe and secure
May we all feel loved and cared for.
Further Information
Sacred Wonders of Britain: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03nprt8
Interfaith Scotland http://www.interfaithscotland.org/
Christian Muslim Forum: http://www.christianmuslimforum.org and article http://www.christianmuslimforum.org/index.php/news/401-a-muslim-at-bishop-s-house
Crossing the River https://www.pavpub.com/Common/SearchResult.aspx?query=crossing%20the%20river
Tradeline Scotland. https://www.travelinescotland.com/public-transport
Southern Hebrides Scotland. https://www.southernhebrides.com/isle-of-iona/
Durham Cathedral unveils window https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wear-11411505
Lindisfarne Gospels Durham: https://www.dur.ac.uk/news/newsitem/?itemno=14918
Lindisfarne: https://www.lindisfarne.org.uk/
Berwick upon Tweed. https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/berwick-upon-tweed
MacMillan coffee Morning: https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/
Please donate to MacMillan https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Qkhan

