Not as many books read as I’d hoped, as my aim was 24 in 2024.
The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien) I enjoyed listening to this while walking Rufus.
Everything Is F*cked (Mark Manson) Don’t be put off by the title, an excellent book to guide you through life and manage your expectations and mental health.
Tin Men (Christopher Golden) Great science fiction with a good human element and twists.
Alien (Alan Dean Foster) A novel based on the movie, what happens when you don’t listen to a smart woman with a cat.
She/He/They/Me (Robyn Ryle) An interactive book that guides you through the issue of gender, your journey depends on your answers to questions.
Wrong Place Wrong Time (Gillian McAllister) A journey backwards in time to understand a murder.
Eating Robots (Stephen Oram) Short stories that anticipate the near future of technology, often shocking.
Biohacked & Begging (Stephen Oram) Another series of short stories to pull you up sharp and challenge your thinking.
Fathomless Riches (Rev. Richard Coles) A brutally honest autobiography that covers attempted suicide, time in a mental hospital, London’s gay scene, drugs, pop stardom, broadcasting, writing, and life as a vicar – and that’s just for starters! Not for the easily offended.
Beyond the Burn Line (Paul McAuley) A science fiction novel set in the distant future that addresses big issues. I rarely give up on a book but, like many other people, I gave up with this one. My advice, avoid like the plague!
How to Sleep Well (Dr. Neil Stanley) An excellent book covering all aspects of sleep.
Aliens (Jim Al-Khalili/Editor) A comprehensive study about the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe from a variety of authors and experts.
Night Sky Almanac 2024 (Storm Dunlop & Wil Tirion) This is a yearbook I wouldn’t be without; each year’s edition is always by my side.
So, my aim is now at least 25 in 2025, and I’m off to a good start.
Christmas celebrates the coming of God’s gift, the birth of Jesus as Saviour of the World. Epiphany celebrates our giving to God, symbolised by the wise men bringing their gifts to the baby Jesus. It’s traditionally celebrated on the twelfth day after Christmas (January 6).
We know very little about them, and only assume there were three because there were three gifts. Those three gifts represent three distinct aspects of our lives that we need to present to Jesus.
Gold represents everything of material value; our money, our property, our belongings. It’s good to recognise that everything comes from God, and as Christians we offer it to Jesus. We may not have much, but let’s make sure give our symbolic gold to Jesus, for God to use.
Frankincense represents something less tangible than gold. It symbolises our inner treasure of thought and influence; our education, our talents, and our personalities. By offering these to Jesus we have a reference point for our actions and behaviour, recognising something greater than ourselves.
Myrrh, partly because of its use in embalming, has been identified with sorrow and suffering. We can bring the challenging times in life to Jesus, and experience God’s comfort.
Myrrh is mine; it’s bitter perfume. Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing. sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in a stone-cold tomb.
A fourth wise man called Artaban belongs to the realm of myth and legend, but he is imagined having brought a gift representing the happier things in life. A reminder that Jesus:
…feeleth for our sadness, And he shareth in our gladness.
The whole of human life can be symbolised in the three (four) gifts, personal gifts of ourselves that we can bring to Jesus.
Father, I place into your hands The things I cannot do, Father, I place into your hands The things that I’ve been through. Father, I place into your hands The way that I should go, For I know I always can trust you.
Father, I place into your hands My friends and family. Father, I place into your hands The things that trouble me. Father, I place into your hands The person I would be, For I know I always can trust you.
Father, we love to see your face, We love to hear your voice. Father, we love to sing your praise And in your name rejoice. Father, we love to walk with you And in your presence rest, For we know we always can trust you.
Father, I want to be with you And do the things you do. Father, I want to speak the words That you are speaking too. Father, I want to love the ones That you will draw to you, For I know that I am one with you.
My twenty favourite albums of 2024 are largely connected by being works of maturity (including Billie Eilish) with the remaining albums showing great originality. I’ll let you discover which is which as all these albums demand careful and repeated listens. As with most albums, they should be listened to in their entirety as presented (not shuffled).
The twenty albums are listed and described below. My top five (in alphabetical order of artist and marked with an asterisk) are The Cure, David Gilmore, Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and Stuckfish. All five are worthy of the top spot, but I couldn’t decide. If pushed, I’d say The Cure is my number one album of the year.
Lives Outgrown (Beth Gibbons) – This is the debut solo studio album by Beth Gibbons, the singer of the group Portishead. She wrote the album over a decade, with topics specific to nearing the age of 60, including motherhood, anxiety, menopause, and mortality. The album reflects on the deaths of family and friends over several years.
Hit Me Hard and Soft (Billie Eilish) – Billie Eilish hasn’t always hit the musical spot for me, apart from some notable exceptions. But, at an incredibly early age, she has produced a masterpiece with this album, it speaks to both the mind and heart. A true work of maturity.
Songs of a Lost World (The Cure)* – A mind-blowing album from Robert Smith and The Cure. It both laments the lost of loved ones and uplifts the spirit, there’s light in the darkness. It’s arguably the most personal album of Smith’s career. Let the entire album flood your heart and soul.
Down the Hill (Cousin Silas) – This is a really excellent ambient album from my friend David Hughes, it’s relaxing and reflective. You can find this album on Bandcamp.
The Derelict (Cousin Silas) – Another favourite from Cousin Silas, this time some dark ambient inspired by the original Alien movie and scenes of the alien ship, both external and internal, the corridors, and the alien pilot room. As before, this album can be found on Bandcamp.
Luck and Strange (David Gilmour)* – The legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd needs no introduction, and this is an album of both maturity and creativity. His daughter Romany features on the album as does the keyboard playing of the late Richard Wright from 2007. David Gilmour said that his producer (Charlie Andrew) challenged him musically and was not intimidated by his past work with Pink Floyd. He also considers it to be some of his best work.
This Could Be Texas (English Teacher) – The debut studio album by the English Teacher. It drew acclaim from critics and won the 2024 Mercury Prize. It’s been described as a truly original effort from start to finish, an adventure in sound and words, and a landmark statement.
Mountainhead (Everything Everything) – This concept album takes place in a fictional world wherein all of society is consumed with the building of a giant mountain. However, the twist in the story is that the people would have to dig a deep hole and live in it in order to build the mountain. Furthermore, at the bottom of the pit lives a giant golden snake that they have to escape. It represents an alternate society where those at the bottom have to work relentlessly to keep the elite elevated.
Romance (Fontaines D.C.) – This is the fourth studio album from this Irish rock band, one in which they have moved on from their previous work. Inspired by Japanese manga and Italian cinema, they search for truth in a world gone wrong.
True (Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks)* – What can I say? Jon Anderson is the voice of Yes, and this is like getting a new Yes album. Fantastic progressive rock.
Ritual (Jon Hopkins) -This is an album to feel or (equally) one to listen carefully and deeply. It works on both levels. An ambient album from a master of electronic music.
In a Landscape (Max Richter) – Another album of reflective music, this time from a master of classical minimalism.
Wild God (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds)* – This is a magnificent album by the wonderful Nick Cave, released to universal acclaim.
A Matter of Time (Shed Seven) – Shed Seven passed me by first time around, but I decided to give this album a listen. There’s nothing original here, except an album full of good songs created by a group that clearly enjoy making music. It’s a case of the whole being greater than the sum of the individual parts.
Wall of Eyes (The Smile) – This is the first of two albums released this year by the Radiohead spin-off group. As a Radiohead fan it’s unsurprising that both albums feature in my favourites. Having said that, both were released to universal acclaim.
Cutouts (The Smile) – The second of the two albums is more challenging and prioritises atmosphere over conventional song writing. The lyrics address capitalism, climate change denial, and socio-political dread.
All Born Screaming (St. Vincent) – Anne Clark, known professionally as St. Vincent, has made the album whose title she’s had in her head for nearly twenty years. She wasn’t ready then, but felt the time was right now. It’s a uniquely personal album and is self-produced, to truly render the sounds in her head and maintain a greater control over her own work.
Ensoulment (The The) – A late night listening album (long in the making) from the wonderful Matt Johnson and The The.
Confidenza Soundtrack (Thom Yorke) – I’m not a great fan of soundtrack albums, but this one by Thom Yorke of Radiohead stands tall on its own. One for everyone, but especially Radiohead fans.
Stuckfish IV (Stuckfish)* – This is the fourth album (obviously) from a melodic progressive rock group based in Northumberland. Philip Stuckey is a friend, although I haven’t had the chance to hear them live. They deserve wider recognition. Find them on Bandcamp.
Wynyard Woodland parkrun is a weekly timed 5k run/walk organised by volunteers. Click the photo or here for more information.
Event Director: Wynyard Woodland parkrun is managed by an event director (Rosie Dawson) who is responsible for ensuring the event is delivered appropriately, building relationships with landowners, and for liaising with parkrun HQ. The Event Director is assisted by a number of Run Directors.
Run Director: The designated Run Director for an event has the overall responsibility for safety and oversees proceedings before, during, and after the event. They must be near the start/finish area at all times. The Run Director has the ultimate authority to decide whether the event should be cancelled or postponed or if an adjustment to the course is required. The Run Director also welcomes all parkrunners to the event via the pre-event briefing and communicates all important messages prior to the event start, recognises the contributions of the volunteers, acknowledges visitors, first-timers and ensures everyone understands the event and stays safe for the duration. The Run Director at Wynyard Woodland parkrun is usually the Volunteer Coordinator that week and also the Results Processor. We are always glad for help setting up the event and clearing away afterwards.
Course Checker: Every Saturday a course checker runs, walks, or cycles the course to check it’s safe to use and free from anything that might be hazardous to runners and volunteers. These hazards could be rocks, branches, or flooding, etc. The check takes place on the day of the parkrun and as close to the start time as reasonably possible, this usually involves meeting the Run Director at about 8.00 am.
First-Timers Welcome: This role is to create a friendly atmosphere for first timers and visitors. The volunteer introduces parkrun, its inclusiveness and ethos, highlights any course-specific information, and explains the finish procedure. This vital volunteer role provides essential reassurance for first-timers especially. It can also help the volunteer to gain confidence in public speaking in a relaxed atmosphere. We sometimes provide an additional welcome volunteer in the car park to encourage people and point them in the right direction.
Timekeeper: The thought of timekeeping can seem daunting, but it’s very straightforward. The timekeepers are responsible for recording the finish times of all participants at parkrun by using the Virtual Volunteer app (which is also used for barcode scanning) in aeroplane mode. We always have two timekeepers to protect against losing one set of times. The Run Director instructs them to start timing on the word GO! Then they press the timer once as each participant crosses the finish line. They liaise with each other to make sure the numbers match during the event. They work with the funnel manager (if there is one) to keep everyone in order until they have received their finish token. The last person to cross the line is always the tail walker(s). It’s then a simple matter of uploading the results with the Run Director. The timekeepers retain the results in their app in case of problems but can delete them the next time they use the app.
Finish Tokens: This person is responsible for handing out position tokens to all participants. They work closely with the funnel manager and timekeepers because finishers must stay in order until they have received their token. They may be assisted by a finish token support volunteer, and this is an ideal role for a younger volunteer.
Barcode Scanner: Volunteers use the Virtual Volunteer app to scan the personal barcode of every finisher along with their finish token. This ensures that every participant who completes the course receives a result. The data is then uploaded to be processed by the Run Director. The barcode scanners retain the results in their app in case of problems but can delete them the next time they use the app. The Virtual Volunteer parkrun app is available in your app store. It’s used for both barcode scanning and timekeeping and is always used in aeroplane mode.
Funnel Manager: This person is responsible for the whole finish area but is primarily focused on ensuring that participants move smoothly and swiftly through the finish funnel. Also, along with other volunteers at the finish line, they ensure participants stay in their finish order until they have received a finish token. They also look out for ‘funnel dodgers’ who cross the finish line but ‘escape’ before taking a token as this causes problems with the results. Even if a participant wishes to remain ‘unknown’ in the results, they must take a token and return it to the barcode scanners.
Marshals: The main tasks performed by marshals are guiding, interacting and encouraging the participants along the course, warning them of any obstacles or hazards, alerting the Run Director of any incidents, as well as ensuring that other park users are aware of the event. The marshal should stay in position until the tail walker passes them for the last time. The turning point marshal is usually responsible for unlocking and locking the gates.
We sometimes have a marshal(s) in the car park to encourage people and point them in the right direction. They also supervise parking if we’re especially busy. Ideally, we’d have a marshal beyond the turning point every week, but the turning point marshal always takes a ‘Caution Runners’ sign to warn other park users.
Tail Walker and parkwalker: The Tail Walker role is a friendly face who stays right at the back of the field and should be the last to go through the finish funnel, ensuring that everyone is accounted for. The parkwalker role is also a friendly face who provides support and encouragement to walkers, as part of our commitment to increasing the number of people who walk at our events. This is a separate role from that of tail walker. The parkwalker should be positioned ahead of the tail walker but behind those who are running.
Tail walkers and parkwalkers are entitled to receive both a volunteer credit and a walk/run credit when carrying out this role. We ask that these roles aren’t filled by the same volunteers each week (for more than three consecutive weeks) and whenever possible multiple people carry out the role. This is both for safeguarding purposes and to provide as positive and sociable experience as possible for everyone.
Setup and Close Down: The Pre-event Setup volunteer(s) help the Run Director prepare for the event. This involves the placement of markers and signage around the course, setting up the start/finish area including the finish funnel, and placing signs to indicate the route. Not forgetting the personal best bell! The Post-event Close Down volunteer(s) help clear up and return any kit to its storage place, leaving our parkrun space as we found it. Both volunteer roles are very suitable for our young people, and they also allow you to volunteer and run.
Photographer: The official photographer is an optional volunteer role. They take photographs and videos for our Facebook page. Photographers must always register as an official volunteer, make themselves known to the Run Director, and wear a high-vis vest at all times. Photographers cannot charge individuals for event photography at parkrun events and watermarks are not permitted.
In conclusion, there are a few volunteer roles that are self-explanatory. Token sorting, report writer, and pacers. Obviously, we need volunteers to sort the tokens each week, the report writer role is optional, and we have pacers on the last Saturday of the month.
Volunteers are welcome to be accompanied by their children. However, they can be distracting and volunteers may find themselves in very challenging situations, so volunteers must be mindful of this at all times.
Volunteers are requested to: Wear a volunteer vest to make them visible as a person who can help. Keep a watchful eye as people arrive looking for those who are there for the first time; they may be looking apprehensive and unsure of what to do. Greet people with a warm welcome, asking where they are from and what brings them to parkrun.
This Sunday Devotional is for Stockton Corps on our 150th Anniversary.
This weekend (23/24 November 2024) marks the 150th Anniversary of Stockton Corps. None of us were here 150 years ago, but we’re part of a continuing story. We’re all part of a rich and proud heritage, of productive years of ministry and service, and have an ongoing privilege and responsibility now and into the future.
There may be those of you who remember the Centenary 50 years ago, when you would have looked back and been encouraged by what had been achieved from those early beginnings.
As we look back today, we can be similarly encouraged by what has been achieved; but 2024 is a very different world to 1974, and we’ll be aware of vast changes in culture, demographics, attitudes, technology and the like.
• What was in the news then? • What do we take for granted that we didn’t have then?
Going back even further, the birth of the Salvation Army, and the commencement of the work in Stockton are events, not of the last century, but of the one before that. We live in a vastly different age, and that’s both an encouragement and a challenge. The encouragement is that the Christian message is the same as it’s always been, but every generation has the challenge to communicate it in the present age.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 3:18
We thank God for everything that’s been achieved in his name over the past 150 years; spiritual victories won in worship and service given in compassionate care. But, at the same time, we don’t forget what is being achieved now, nor do we neglect the need to move forward in faith into an uncertain future.
We celebrate those who have come to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord through the ministry of the Salvation Army in Stockton, because whenever the word of God has been declared, God’s will has been done.
We celebrate today all those who have been touched with the love of God through the ministry of the Salvation Army in Stockton, because whenever we’ve reached out with the compassion of Jesus, God’s will has been done.
We celebrate today the faithful officers, soldiers, adherents and friends who have been vital to the ministry of the Salvation Army in Stockton, because whenever lives have been dedicated to him, God’s will has been done.
Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.Matthew 28:16-20.
These words are a challenge and an encouragement, words that motivated those who opened this corps in Stockton all those years ago and have motivated all those in the corps since. May they be our motivation and encouragement for the future.
We celebrate the bonds of friendship and fellowship that have been sustained and strengthened in Christ through the years, because whenever our fellowship has been built up, God’s will has been done.
Paul wrote to the Philippians: Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5
The reality of Christian fellowship has been lived in this corps over the years. Yes, there may have been times of disappointment and loss, but underlying it all has been that rich strand of fellowship binding us to each other, and binding us to Christ.
May our fellowship be richer and deeper in the future, for therein lies the way of effective Christian ministry and service.
We also celebrate today all those who have been ministered to in time of need or hardship, because whenever we have cared for others in Christ’s name, God’s will has been done.
Our Christian gospel is for the whole person; body, mind and spirit. Let’s make sure that as we move forward, we look for the face of Jesus in the face of everyone we meet, and serve them in his name.
There’s a sense in which we’re always turning a page in our continuing story of faith and service; in our own lives and that of the corps. This anniversary is only a date after all, but it’s good to have significant milestones and signposts.
As participants in this continuing story we’re reminded of the need to declare the word of God in words and actions, to build up our fellowship, and to care for others in the name of Jesus.
We remember those who have gone before us and have done God’s will, and we take our place and follow in their footsteps. We honour their memory by living the same life of faith in obedience to the heavenly vision.
We’ve already been reminded that the Lord will always be with us. So, let’s thank God for the past, and claim in faith all that God wants to do in us and through us by committing ourselves fully to him and his work as we go in the strength of the Lord.
Psalm 95 is a powerful and uplifting passage, often regarded as a call to worship and obedience. It’s traditionally classified as a hymn of praise, blending themes of thanksgiving, reverence, and a warning against disobedience. The psalm is divided into two distinct parts, each serving a specific purpose in its exhortation.
The opening verses invite us to come before the Lord with joy and thanksgiving, celebrating his greatness and majesty. They portray God as the creator of all things, from the depths of the earth to the heights of the mountains, as well as the sea and the dry land. This imagery underscores his sovereignty and power, inspiring awe and reverence among his people. The psalm encourages communal worship, urging believers to sing, make a joyful noise, and kneel in humble adoration.
As the psalm progresses, the tone shifts from praise to admonition. The latter half serves as a warning against hard-heartedness and rebellion, drawing on the historical example of the Israelites in the wilderness. It references the incidents at Meribah and Massah, where the people tested God through their lack of faith and disobedience. The psalmist cautions against repeating these mistakes, reminding us of the consequences faced by the Israelites, who were denied entry into God’s rest because of their stubbornness.
Psalm 95 serves a dual purpose then, combining an invitation to joyful worship with a solemn reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness. It emphasises the need to listen to God’s voice and respond with humility and trust, lest one falls into the same patterns of disbelief and disobedience. The psalm’s enduring relevance lies in its timeless message: recognising God’s majesty and responding with genuine worship and commitment to his ways.
Psalm 95 is often associated with the invitatory psalm in morning prayer services. Its themes of gratitude, reverence, and caution make it a vital passage for reflection, reminding us of both the joy and responsibility inherent in our relationship with God.
May this psalm continue to inspire us to honour God in our lives with a sincere and obedient heart.
Psalm 19:7-14 reflects on the nature of God’s law and its impact on human life. It’s part of a psalm attributed to King David, where he praises the perfection and value of God’s law, drawing attention to its ability to enlighten and transform the soul. David uses a series of expressions to illustrate the law’s qualities: it’s perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. These descriptors suggest that God’s law is flawless, dependable, and unchanging, providing moral clarity and spiritual guidance. These qualities led David to compare it to precious gold and sweet honey, underlining how desirable and satisfying God’s commandments are to those who follow them.
The psalm also highlights the effects of the law: it revives the soul, makes wise the simple, and enlightens the eyes. David emphasises that God’s laws bring spiritual vitality and wisdom to those who might otherwise lack understanding. They provide enlightenment, making people aware of their own spiritual condition and illuminating the path they should follow.
David’s reflections in verses 12 to 14 turn introspective, recognising human fallibility and the need for divine help in staying righteous. He admits to hidden faults, those inner sins that may not be immediately visible but still require forgiveness. David then asks for protection against presumptuous sins, which he identifies as intentional or wilful transgressions. His request for these not to have dominion over him shows a desire to remain steadfast and blameless before God, to be unencumbered by any lingering or overpowering sins.
The final verse, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer, captures a deep longing for authenticity and purity in his relationship with God. It’s a prayer that all aspects of his being, his speech, thoughts, and motives, align with God’s standards.
Psalm 19:7-14 beautifully portrays how divine law not only provides moral guidance but also shapes and refines the character of those who earnestly seek to live according to God’s will. May we demonstrate that authenticity in our lives.
Psalm 19:1-6 is a beautiful passage that celebrates the majesty of God’s creation and his glory as revealed in the natural world. These verses emphasise how the heavens, the skies, and celestial bodies declare God’s splendour without uttering words, yet their message is universally understood.
The psalm begins with a grand declaration in verse 1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” This verse highlights the idea that the beauty of the universe, particularly the heavens and skies, reflect God’s craftsmanship. The vastness and order of creation are a silent testimony to his power and creativity.
In verses 2 and 3, it continues by saying: “Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.” Despite the lack of audible speech, the consistent cycle of day and night is portrayed as a form of communication, offering wisdom and insight into God’s character and nature. This suggests that creation communicates continuously and universally, transcending language and culture.
Verse 4 states: “Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Here, the psalmist indicates that the message of creation is inescapable; it reaches every corner of the earth, allowing all people to witness God’s glory through the natural world.
Verses 5 and 6 focus on the sun, personified as a bridegroom or an athlete, joyfully running its course across the sky: “It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.” The sun’s consistent and powerful presence is used to symbolise God’s provision and the encompassing nature of his glory.
Overall, Psalm 19:1-6 portrays the natural world as a reflection of God’s greatness, offering silent yet profound testimony to his eternal power and divine nature. May we be at one with nature and in harmony with God.
James 2:1-10 addresses favouritism within the Christian community, particularly regarding the treatment of rich and poor. This passage questions whether showing partiality aligns with genuine faith in Jesus Christ, presenting a scenario where a wealthy person is given preferential treatment over a poor person.
James emphasises that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of his Kingdom, pointing out the irony that the rich, often shown favouritism, typically oppress believers.
The author introduces the ‘royal law’ of loving one’s neighbour as oneself, arguing that showing favouritism violates this principle, like breaking the whole law.
James 2:11-17 continues by discussing the ‘law of liberty’ and the relationship between faith and works. James warns that judgement without mercy will be shown to those who have not been merciful, emphasising the importance of compassion in Christian living.
The passage concludes by stressing the crucial relationship between faith and works, arguing that faith without action is dead. James illustrates this with an example of encountering a person in need and offering words without practical assistance, emphasising that true faith is demonstrated through actions.
May we demonstrate our faith every day through an attitude of understanding that results in beautiful actions of love without favouritism.
In August 1999 I fulfilled a boyhood ambition of witnessing a total solar eclipse.
As I travelled down to Devon from South Wales (the eclipse was only going to be total in parts of Cornwall and Devon) I really started to capture the excitement when I stopped at a Service Area on the M5, as there was something of a party atmosphere.
I eventually parked on the waterfront at Kingsbridge, near some good public conveniences that were open 24 hours, and attempted to get some sleep in the car. Waking soon after 4.00 am I decided to make my way the coast, heading for Slapton Sands. I arrived at about 5.00 am and was totally unprepared for the level of traffic and activity going on.
There were some quite large car parks, and I managed to get one of the last spaces. It was right next to the beach, people were sleeping in cars and vans, in tents, and in sleeping bags on the beach itself. As it started to get light, there was no way I was going to get any more sleep, so I decided to get the bike out and go for an early morning cycle ride. There was a great buzz in the air; it was one of those occasions when people were drawn together by a shared experience, strangers found it easy to talk to each other. Telescopes, cameras and the like were being set up on the vantage points, and the smell of cooking was hanging in the air. By this time the authorities had closed off the car park entrances, and the refreshment vans were doing brisk business.
By about 8.00 am the traffic had become even busier, but there was nowhere to go, no sooner had people parked half on the road, half on the grass verges, they were moved on. Fields were opened up for the cars, but these eventually filled up, and still the cars were coming, causing chaos in the narrow country lanes.
I managed to see the eclipse at various stages, up to about 70% covered, but then the threatening darker clouds came and obscured the view, but nothing can prepare you for the experience of totality, and it’s impossible to adequately describe in words.
the approach of darkness the drop in temperature the quietness that descended on the crowds the expectation the moment of totality the darkness during the day the birds flying off the applause of the crowd
Because of the cloud cover, I saw nothing more of the eclipse as the Moon finished travelling across the Sun, although the Sun did break through later on.
And that’s my experience of the eclipse, something I will never forget. I was slightly disappointed that I didn’t actually see the full eclipse, but I experienced something equally unique; it was moody, eerie, and atmospheric, to be under cloudy skies when the shadow of the Moon travelled overhead at nearly 2000 mph, a very British eclipse.
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