In response to my enquiry, AI informed me that ““Ring out the old, ring in the new” is a famous line from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem In Memoriam A.H.H., (specifically, section CVI), traditionally recited on New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to the past year’s troubles and welcome the new year with hope, calling to banish grief, strife, and falsehood while embracing truth, peace, and nobler ways of life, symbolizing renewal and progress.”
Continue readingAuthor Archives: John
Thoughts arising from our Christmas Day 2025 – The Kings Speech
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that, once upon a time, watching what was then titled: “the Queen’s Speech” was one of the regular activities that took place on Christmas Day. As I recall, my own household consisted of both royalists and those who weren’t.
Continue readingThoughts arising from our Christmas Day 2025 – time with the family
Who cares – some may ask? But for those who are mildly interested or better – here goes …
Continue readingRemembering Andy Jelfs
Two days ago, I posted the following text on my Facebook and X pages, in response to some sad news I had just received: “Some folk will know that I am a long-time supporter of the work of Counties UK concerning their evangelism endeavours across the counties of England, especially in Essex. Ever since I first come across him as a young student, Andy Jelfs has been one of its stalwart evangelists. A few weeks ago, I learned of a rapid decline in health and I have just learned the following news about his passing. I thank God for this dear brother and pray for his wife, Miriam.”
Continue readingChrist in the Psalms (2) – Psalm 2
My latest deep dive into the Bible has been on the subject of Christ in the Psalms. For some relevant background to what I am about to share, check out my recent “The Bible revisited” blog (see here) and my “Christ in the Psalms (1)” blog (see here), where the aim, besides providing an introduction to the Messianic Psalms, was to reflect on one of the best-known ones – Psalm 22.
Continue readingTrumpwatch 74 – The Agenda I predicted has begun
It has been nearly three months since I wrote my last instalment in my Trumpwatch series (see here), and given so much is happening in the world today, including and especially in the world of Trump, another episode (this one) is both due and overdue, so here goes …
Continue readingTommy Robinson, Immigration, Islam and C(c)hurch
In my almost twelve years as a regular blogger, I have posted several times on each of these ‘hot potato’, contentious topics and it might seem that I have said all that was worth saying.
Continue readingReflecting on the “Tommy Robinson” and the “Billy Bragg” Christmas events
Nine days ago, I posted my “Why has “Put Christ back into Christmas” suddenly become so contentious?” blog (see here) and two days ago the event organised by Tommy Robinson and his team took place, along with another competing “Christmas” event organised by those NOT in support.
Continue readingDick Van Dyke is 100 today
So I was reminded when I read one of the posts as I checked out my today’s Facebook feed. It read …
Continue readingOn the making of many books; Indian traditions and beliefs
Ever since I was a child, I have been an avid reader. While these days, now in my dotage, my capacity to absorb too many words has dwindled, I persist in reading up on all sorts of subjects and often I have several books on the go at the same time, as well as what I read electronically. Depending on the contents and my motives, I may read carefully, word by word, or skim quickly through what I read.
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