Dear Friends,

Listening to the radio in the car the other afternoon, I could not believe the radio interviewer was counting the days down to Christmas!!

The School holidays have not yet begun, neither, as I write, the Lambeth Conference, yet some are already preparing for the festive season. Well, I am not one of those even thinking about the end of the year.

In the last few days, amongst the run of the mill parish disruptions, Roger and I have been taking and attending final year Assemblies and special Services in our schools. Always an enjoyable experience, children from early infants to year 6 have given and shared the experiences of school life in Song, Prayer and Reading. Most will change classes and in September, others will face the challenges of a new school with all the uncertainties and excitement further education will bring.

In Angle, Church in Wales VC School, I was privileged recently to bless and dedicate a new bridge which gives the children greater space to play in what is a very cramped area. Money raised for the project came from Chevron and the National Parks and other organisations.

What fun the children had walking and running across this solid and impressive bridge. Bridges help us move from A to B and back again if necessary. Bridges also lead us into new pastures and in this busy life of ours each should be steady and orderly. Thinking and planning ahead, of course, is vital to us all, as we well know in this Benefice.

However, there are occasions when we need to take stock of where we are, what we have achieved and completed, and walk the bridge of life with care and assured step, taking each day and new experience as it comes our way.

Our thanks to staff and children at all our schools for the opportunity of sharing with you all during this last year. It has been a privileged experience.

As we walk across new bridges in the weeks ahead in our daily lives, may our Lord guide us and protect us along life’s way.

Happy holidays wherever you go and whatever you do.

Yours sincerely

Martin Lloyd Cox