Dear Friends,

I don’t often get really cross, but I was very angry recently to hear an item on ‘Woman’s Hour’ on Radio 4 about how women might be tempted to exercise their vote.

I remember vividly teaching a class of thirteen year olds some good few years ago now, in which I had one of the daughters of our former Archdeacon, Malcolm Lesiter. I played a tape recording (it shows how many years ago it is) about children choosing to play a game in the playground. By far the most children voted to play rounders, but the teacher said that since they were girls, their votes didn’t count. The said young lady leapt to her feet and exclaimed very loudly and vociferously that that was ‘Not Fair’. As I scraped her off the ceiling, I was delighted!

Now I am not a feminist, but I do believe that women are quite as capable as men when it comes to making decisions about the government of our country. I am also very conscious of Mrs Pankhurst and her friends who campaigned long and hard to achieve the right for women to vote. In fact, it is not long in terms of historical time since the right to vote was extended to all men in our country, and not just to the rich. It makes me furiously angry, therefore, when the turn out in elections is often only a quarter of the population.

One of the most touching scenes in modern history is the sight, ten years ago now, of black voters in South Africa queuing for hours in baking sun to exercise their vote. It is a privilege to belong to a democracy where we have a real say in what happens in our country.

If you read ‘See Round’, you will see much about casting your vote wisely. I endorse all that is said there. But I would go one further – I would suggest that it is a gross dereliction of one’s duty – and a betrayal of earlier generations – to neglect to vote.

It is fashionable these days for politicians to tell us that Christians should play no part in politics. I believe that if our faith, and what we do in Church on Sundays, does not inform our every day life then it is useless.

I would not for one minute presume to advise you about how you should cast your vote. The joy of living at this time in this country is that the ballot is secret – hence none of us is open to bribery or corruption. What I would say, however, is that you should think carefully about the teachings of Jesus and cast your vote according to your conscience. In any event, please do not stay away from the polls, even if you have no choice but to spoil your ballot paper. It is our duty and our privilege as Christians to rejoice in the freedom that others have won for us.

Yours in Christ,

Jo Spray.

Our farmers and all who bring us our food.

Our politicians and all who represent us in local government.

All who live in places where there is no freedom of speech or democracy.

For all your greetings, prayers and messages of encouragement as I prepare to go into hospital. It is not what I had hoped for, but your love and prayers are a huge support and help me to enter a difficult time with joy, not fear.

Jo Spray

The next coffee morning will be at 10.15 am on Saturday 8^th May at 7 Elmwood, hosted by Dawn Riddle. There will be a raffle and a bring-and-buy stall for which contributions especially of cakes will be much appreciated. Please do come - all are welcome.

Thank you to everyone who donated lilies and other flowers to decorate the church so beautifully for Easter.

We do need extra volunteers to help with the altar flowers during May and June. If you would like to help, please look at the rota in the porch, to see where there are gaps or contact Anne Claypole White ( 881661.

20^th May, Ascension Day service at Wymington followed by tea at the Rectory. By kind invitation of Revd. Robert and Mrs. Caroline Evens.

"The Spring Race Evening" will be held at Turvey Village Hall on Friday 7^th May starting at 7:30 pm. Entrance and race cards £2.50 each from Rod Petty, ( 881619. Profits to FAST and TRA.

The summer party, to raise funds for FAST, will be held in the afternoon of Saturday 26^th June in the gardens of The Chantry House. Barbeque, bar, children's games etc. All welcome!