Author Archives: johnhearson

Glad Tidings? A Pub Conversation

[The cover photo is actually from a holiday let advertisement in Pattaya, but is similar to the photo Dave showed me, taken from the window of his friend’s apartment] “He’s 58 years old,” explained Dave, “an’ he’s got it made! It’s costing him £200 a month for his apartment – they’re dirt cheap, y’know, inContinue reading “Glad Tidings? A Pub Conversation”

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness – Discuss

Very funny, and rather well-chosen – Jesus peering round the angle of the door frame, at the top of which are his words, “I SAW THAT!” This is my Christmas present from Lucy, the manager of the community centre where I volunteer on a Wednesday.   I shouldn’t have been surprised. It seems I’ve putContinue reading “Cleanliness is Next to Godliness – Discuss”

Rapid Returns, Future Folly

Attention All Allotment Members Topsoil Delivery 10 a.m Saturday 23rd Bring your Spades and Wheelbarrows The Committee “Oh, great!” said Scott to Barry. “I’ve been waiting for this for weeks. All that veg I’ve dug up. I compost what I can, but there’s no way I can stop the soil level sinking over time.” SoContinue reading “Rapid Returns, Future Folly”

Progress in the 21st Century

“Yes, thanks, those seem comfortable and light. When can you deliver them?” Martin, our older son, had reached his 7th birthday and had decided he’d like bunk beds. We paid the shop and, a week later, a lorry drew up outside our gate. Two strong men carried first the lower, then the upper half intoContinue reading “Progress in the 21st Century”

Something Old, Something New…

Not since my worst production quality crisis at Kodak had I experienced such tightness in the chest. At least Day One was over. Our family of four huddled together in the Wendy House to eat quiche, baked potatoes and salad. This had been artfully put together by Jane in our makeshift ‘kitchen’, the remaining, tinyContinue reading “Something Old, Something New…”

Not many fathers…

A slightly expanded version of my tribute at Brian’s Thanksgiving service on 20th October ‘Thank heavens ‘, thought I, ‘that I don’t have THAT guy for a home group leader!’ It was the mid-eighties, and my workmate was telling me how he’d discussed a complex situation with his small group leader at church in Dewsbury.Continue reading “Not many fathers…”

Alive ‘n kickin’!

Brrring, brrring…“Hello, this is the Brighouse branch…” “…So, I’ve a Mrs Briggs here who wants to know why she hasn’t received a replacement for her debit card. It’s expired, and she hasn’t got another one…” “…oh no, it’s not her that’s expired, it’s her card… “…look, I can tell you she certainly isn’t dead! She’sContinue reading “Alive ‘n kickin’!”

A Capital Weekend

Organising a family weekend in London is a great challenge. You’re spoiled for choice, but beware the heaving crowds, the occasional rainstorm and the time it takes to travel to/from your chosen destinations. My wife Jane planned it all meticulously, and we all agreed it had been a great success.
We all needed a rest the following week…

Flog it! Confessions of a Rookie Ebay Seller

Buying and selling was never my strongpoint. So when I, Mr Space Saver at the community centre where I volunteer, was thrown a challenge, I was thoroughly out of my comfort zone. Throughout the last 6 months I have entered, and survived, a world of making ‘pigs’ ears’ seem attractive, listing them, selling them and packaging them – often large, bulky items.
Perhaps I should stick to my day job? But here’s what’s scary – this IS my day job!