Some of my interests
Some of the ways I have spent my time over the years.
Society of St BotolphA confraternity (with around 400 members) in celebration of this important medieval saint, founded to encourage devotion, academic interest, and fellowship between churches dedicated to him. I was Chairman from 2000 to 2008, and have been President since 2013.
Order of St Lazarus of JerusalemAn ecumenical fraternal and charitable Order. I have served as Chaplain to the Aragon Commandery (Hertfordshire and North London) and a Member of Merit of the Order since 2012. In 2017 I was formally admitted to the Order (the original "Paris-Malta Obedience") with the rank of Chaplain, and I have since been promoted to the rank of Senior Chaplain.
Grand Temple Stud (Adur G P Centre)I was given my first pair of guinea pigs in 1979 by an older boy in my home village (he ended up a Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy). For many years I was part of the team that ran the Adur Guinea Pig Centre in Sussex. We rescued and re-homed many guinea pigs, provided holiday boarding for others, and organised shows. My wife and I are also a registered cavy breeding stud (Grand Temple Stud).
St John AmbulanceI joined the St John Ambulance Brigade aged 15 and qualified as an auxiliary nurse at 16. Later I qualified in first aid and as ambulance crew. Much later I also served in St John as a working (uniformed) President. My active St John Ambulance career was from 1984 to 2008, a very happy time.
The Boys' BrigadeMy father was an active Boys' Brigade officer in Ireland in the 1940s and 1950s. I was very pleased to join in the 1990s as an officer in the North Suffolk Battalion, and have many happy memories of my BB days.
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Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch RailwayA regular passenger since I was a toddler, I joined the supporters association as a child, became a volunteer as a teenager, and joined the paid seasonal staff (Traffic Department) for the seasons of 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989. Today I remain a supporter and a company shareholder, and continue to increase my shareholding.
Saltwood Miniature RailwayThe oldest miniature railway in the world until its closure in 1987, and I had the privilege of working on it as a volunteer throughout my childhood years and then as Traffic Manager (a paid Saturday job position) in my teens. My relationships with many other miniature railways have often arisen as a result of my days on the SMR. Website.
Society of Our Lady of WalsinghamEngland's Nazareth, the great Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, was the site of one of my earliest religious experiences, when still a young child. I go back regularly, and have been pleased to take many others there over the years, and to introduce new pilgrims to Walsingham for the first time. I have been a Priest Associate of the Holy House for over 30 years, and a Cell Superior of the SOLW for almost 15 years.
Anglican CommunionMy day job, but also an interest. I enjoy church history, liturgy, and the life and structures of Anglicanism. I spend much of my free time and holiday travels seeking out Anglican churches, and also our partner Lutheran churches of the Porvoo Communion.
CinemaI belonged to a cinema club with friends Christopher and Jacqui, and we went to the local cinema in Brighton at least once or twice a week (some reviews). Nowadays I have less time available, but still love the cinema when I am able to find time to go.
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