Category: Religion

The Guards Chapel

On a Sunday morning in June 1944 the Guards Chapel was hit by a flying bomb during Matins. The whole building was destroyed, except the apse, and 121 people died.

St Patrick in Soho

In London in the 18th century there was a concerted effort by rich Catholics and the Catholic Church to alleviate the poverty and misery of their less fortunate countrymen. The Benevolent Society of St Patrick (1783) and the older Irish Charitable Society (1704) are manifestations of this, (There’s a Welcome on the Mat), another is… Continue reading St Patrick in Soho

A Fisherman’s Tale

I was born on 3rd April 1954 but I’m not fishing for a birthday card. On 2nd April 1817 the Salford Anglers’ Society was founded and they have been fishing for almost two hundred years, so save your card for them next year.

A Serious Musical

Le Boeuf sur le toit is a jazzy, tango composition by Darius Milhaud. I like it hugely and think the best translation is “Beef on the roof”.

I’m a Believer?

I have known Trim since 1963. Its Norman castle is the best in Ireland. The gardens at Butterstream (above) are not the best in Ireland; saying that would cause uproar at Barmeath. However, they were good enough for the Prince of Wales to visit in 1995. Trim is a small city in Co. Meath. It… Continue reading I’m a Believer?