Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Rushing...

...on a day that began with a trip to Kent to hand out prizes gained in the 2019 Schools Bible Project at St Columba's  Catholic Boys School. The trains were delayed and I only just made it to the Assembly: they were already gathered in the hall and listening to a Scripture reading. It is always a pleasure to visit this school, which has a well-organised, rather cheering air about it. The boys look smart in their uniforms, and gave generous applause as some of their number came up to receive their book prizes.

Then  off on another train journey, and a Tube to Ealing to this school, where I was due to give a talk about traditional feasts and seasons, how the calendar works,  and the origin of some of our pub signs, old songs, place-names and so on. Again, a warm welcome, and it was an enjoyable session, the children showing an interest and answering up eagerly when I asked questions...there is a fascination among all ages over things like London's forgotten rivers, or why our tax years runs from March to March, or about  a Tube station named from words in the Gospel of St Luke... An excellent lunch - schools meals are so much, MUCH better than in my own schooldays! - and good conversation with the teacher who had arranged this event, and all in a most cordial and happy atmosphere.

6 comments:

Dominic N said...

I have been racking my brains about the Tube station and can't think which one it is! Could I ask for a clue, please?

Joanna Bogle said...

It's ANGEL, Islington!

Auntie Joanna

Dominic N said...

Thank you! Of course!... Have just looked up the etymology of the word 'angel' in the Oxford English Dictionary. I had not known it was a Greek word. Fascinating. These things have such deep roots...

Am glad the school visit was such a success.

Pelerin said...

Your comment about the Angel station reminded me of the three streets near St Paul's Cathedral named Ave Maria Lane, Pater Noster Row and Amen Corner. I wonder what their origin was?

Joanna Bogle said...

Simple. These streets were where the sellers of Rosaries plied their trade.
J.

Pelerin said...

Thank you Joanna - I thought you would know the answer! It is good they have retained the names.