Did you watch Rod Stewart at Glastonbury last week; still in his 80s, still doing what some call singing? Or there is the Oasis reunion concert this weekend in Cardiff, 30 years on, still making music, probably still falling out with each other backstage. I didn't watch Glastonbury and I will not be listening to Oasis; my idea of good music is Anglican plainsong. But something I have come to appreciate is passion in others for music. A few years ago I was in a pub in Nottingham; a guitarist was playing. His music meant nothing to me, but I was captivated by the man himself, totally at one with his guitar, living and moving with the sounds he was making. I suspect, at that moment, nothing else mattered for him but his music. So I suspect with the big stars who simply can't stop performing; somewhere in the mix is the sheer joy of what they are doing. I rather doubt whether my pub guitarist, Rod Stewart or the Gallagher brothers are big on organised religion. However I suspect when they perform, living for their music, they experience something spiritual that takes them from the mundane and points to the higher glory that I call God.
We welcomed some very special overseas visitors last month who had travelled from the USA. They share their family name with that of our village, Billingsley. We hope they enjoyed their visit; their comments in the visitor book would seem to suggest they did.Looking through the visitor book no fewer than 29 entries have been made so far this year. This is something of a record and certainly makes up for the times when visiting was difficult during the pandemic. Many of the comments left by visitors make note of how special St Mary’s is and they are pleased to find the church open. We are quite sure that many more have visited but preferred not to leave a comment.The church is always open and welcomes all regardless of faith or those of non faith. The church and it’s grounds offer a quiet space for contemplation, reflection and prayer. It is also full of many significant historical features, local history and interesting artifacts.; leaflets are available to guide you around the church and provide background information. There is also a well used book exchange which visitors are welcome to take advantage of.