Back - with crew

Mike had the Chrism service at the cathedral in the morning - as Lay Chair of the Diocesan synod he has one (small) part to play in this annual occasion. In past years there have been two services (one for those who will not attend if there are women priests present) and the main one in the cathedral. As so few attended the extra service last year, Bishop Tim decided this year not to hold it and so there was just the main event.


Meanwhile, Christine finished the packing - this time a little more thought needed as we had much less stowage space - both Alice and Jess had luggage as well as occupying most of the back seats! She also found that they needed some exercise so they all went to explore a local open area for a short while.

Back home, Mike finalised the packing and we were off just after 1:30. The weather was bright and sunny and the roads were comparatively uncluttered by either vehicles or road works. We made good time, with the two girls asleep for quite a long stretch until we called at Strensham Service Station for a break and a snack.

Soon after resuming our journey the overhead signs warned of congestion delays ahead. Yes they were there but the traffic kept moving at the slow speed indicated. As far as we could see, it was only a broken down lorry (fully on the hard shoulder and causing no obstruction) that sparked off the delays - presumably as drivers slowed to go past!

As we left Birmingham, we received a text from Andrew which indicated that he was perhaps five or ten minutes behind us. We both arrived at Mercia Marina between 7:15 and 7:30. There then followed the lengthy process of unpacking the cars and finding places for all the food (we will clearly starve before the weekend is out!). Sadly, we found that the cottage pie we made and froze before had done such a good job of keeping the food cold that it was still a solid block. Never mind, we did have a few alternatives