A Photo Review – 2023

Here is a review of my photographs at the end of the year, that highlight some of the lovely places and experiences that have been enjoyed. The one shown above is of the local park, where we so often walk. However those shown below are not always because of their great photographic quality, but sometimes just for the memories that they invoke. This year let’s start with Winter and finish with Winter, and in-between show something of the beauty of God’s creation here in Scotland, not only in Winter, but also in Spring, Summer and Autumn.

January and February – the winter months at the beginning of 2023.

A day out to Culzean Castle and gardens in January

A round trip from Glasgow to Dunoon via Loch Lomond, Hell’s Glen and Ardentinny

A good place to visit on a cold day – Glasgow’s Botanical Gardens

Now it’s Spring time and everything is bursting into life!

More Spring flowers:-

Late May, our holiday in and around Tiree

Now on into summer ….

**A visit to Dawyck Botanical Gardens >**

Our garden in summer ….

Day trips to the Firth of Forth Bridges, the Isle of Bute and The Trossachs

Now Autumn is coming on …. with a trip to Inverness and the Moray Coast ….

And lastly at the end of the year we are into Winter once again …

Thank you to all who subscribe to my blog and also to friends far and wide who log-on from time to time. Hopfully you have enjoyed the photographs of our travels in 2023. I often think that we are not getting around as much as we once did, until I start to select photos from the year, and then reaslise I have far too many photos to show!

The ‘card’ above brings our greetings for Christmas and the New Year, and we hope to continue our blogging in 2024 all being well, but until next year I wish you God’s blessing at this festive season! The words of my favourite carol this year, are attached.

Matthew

150th Anniversary – Greenview Church, Pollokshaws, Glasgow.

The Church Weekend at Gartmore House, Gartmore -some years ago

GREENVIEW CHURCH – 1439 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G41 3RQ.

Website – Greenviewchurch.co.uk An Excellent Booklet which gives a short history of the Church and its activities from 1873 – 2023 has been been produced by our Pastor Colin Adams

I have blogged about many things over recent years, but could not let this special anniversary year of our Church pass without reflecting on God’s grace and goodness and His blessings to us His people over many years and right up until the present. Many thousands of other lives have also been touched by the preaching and teaching of the Bible, here at home and abroad, and in recent years through the use of the internet.

As a child my family moved from the centre of Glasgow to the suburbs, and on our first Sunday, on recommendation, we walked to Greenview Church (or ‘Greenview Hall’ as it was called then) and as children were imediately welcomed into their very large Sunday School! The year was 1941. ‘Greenview’ has been our home Church ever since. It didn’t take us long to feel welcomed, even although there were eight of us, including mum and dad. The folks from Pollokshaws were so friendly and ordinary people, who had a love and passion to worship and serve an extraordinary God. Here at Greenview I was converted, baptised, and later was married and throughout the years became involved in many aspects of Church life. And here too, we brought up our children, along with my brothers and sisters and their children! It’s been quite a journey!

The Church we now call Greenview Church, had met in a number of different buildings within the Pollokshaws area of Glasgow prior to our arrival, but was now settled in the building purchased at the corner of Pollokshaws Road and Leckie Street. Here are some pics of these early locations, plus extensions and alterations made to the current building. –

Templars Hall – 1873-1876
Main Street opposite Bengal Street

On the right > is Norman Macrae one of the eight founding members with his wife, prior to going to India as missionaries. The eight men who in 1873 decided to rent the Templars Hall in Main Street, were motivated by the love of Jesus Christ, and had a burden to preach and share the Good News about Jesus with others. Their message could be encapsulated in the words of John 3v16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

The Church is its members, not the building, so here are some pictures of Church from across the years.

I wasn’t around when these photos were taken, but I grew up to know many of them who were, or became, leaders in the Church! Old friends from the ‘Shaws might recognise some of the faces. Dress style has changed a bit since then 🙂 Here are more taken some years later, in the 50’s and 70’s There are too many faces to show, let these few suffice as being representative of those who were amongst our mentors, and others with whom we served.

Jim and Annie Wands – Elder and leader in so many different capacities

The Bible is central to all our Church activities, and has been faithfully preached and taught down through the years, to young and old, week by week, indoors and out of doors, at sheduled services, in house groups and at special campaigns and events. Like so many others I’ve found it to be a lamp to my feet a light on my path. It’s an amazing book, and an endless source of treasure.

As the city demographics changed over the years it was a privilege to welcome Christians from other churches in the South Side of Glasgow. Wolesley Gospel Hall in Oatlands, Elim Evangelical Church in Crosshill and Maple Evangelical Church in Newton Mearns. Many of these Christians have made, and are making a real and valuable contribution to Greenview Church’s life and work.

Evangelist Peter Brandon preaching at Shawlands Arcade during a Gospel Campaign

Stan Ford (mentioned above) died in 1991 but you can still hear his remarkable story on line, it’s well worth the listen. He was the man who said ‘if there is a God I hate him! https://gospelhallaudio.org/sermons/if-theres-a-god-i-hate-him-54-min/

Children’s and Youth work has always been an integral part of Church life from the earliest of days until present. The Church over a period of time purchased a number of buses which were used to bring young people from Thornliebank, Carnwadric, Mansewood and Eastwood districts of Glasgow to the various activities. My wife and I spent almost 25 years of our lives working with the young people. Today the Contageous Youth Camp still attracts young people from around the country including young people from Greenview. Here is a selection of photographs.

Many missionaries from Greenview have travelled far and wide to share the Gospel story cross-culturally in Asia, Africa, India and the America’s. In the first row below are missionaries who went out in the 30’s, and who were an inspiration to the Church. In the 2nd row are some of my contemporaries from the 60’s. Since then others have gone out to Kenya, Tanzania and other destinations, with various skills – Bible translators, medical experts, Bible teachers, builders, engineers and administrators. Even today many members are serving overseas. Others have gone on short term projects throughout the UK and Europe and in various countries abroad.. Far too many to display! Here are some of the missionaries that I grew up listening to:

Jim Caldwell was a well loved gospel singer whose work was recorded. Click on the link and hear him singing ‘How great Thou art’. https://youtu.be/-3cdTlqPgys?si=bpOLEsg45YutdiDn

Dedicated work amongst men and women has been a major feature of Church Ministry. The Women’s Meeting on Wednesday’s at 2.15pm and the Men’s Meeting on Tuesday’s at 2pm from the 50’s to the 90’s was led by a dedicated team of men and women. The Women’s ministry played a major role in the conversion of my mother-in-law Muriel snr., which was a cause of great rejoicing! The nature and emphasis of the work has changed over the years, but still continues to this day. Here are some photos from more recent years of Men’s activities folllowed by some Women’s activities

Unfortunately I don’t have many photos of the women’s events, which is a bit sad considering all the work they have done, and still do in the Church. But the sewing class has donated countless quilts and other items for Children’s homes abroad and we always enjoy their ‘Coffee and Craft’ events which raise money for missionaries and charities. Many also serve in our Cafe on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Well I think I’d better bring this to a close, so I’ll finish with a general selection of some photos I like:

Church picnic to Helensburgh by tramcar and service bus!

Check out our website for details of our current programme. Morning services are live on You Tube, or if you live locally why not drop in and see us, you would be most welcome. And to past members and friends, you would receive a special welcome on this our 150th Anniversary year, please think about coming to visit us.

If you are not a Christian and all the above seems very strange to you, you may like to take a ‘Christianity Explored’ or ‘Alpha Course’. Courses near you can be checked on line, or get in touch if I can be of help.

I hope you have enjoyed these personal memories of my life at Greenview Church, but wherever you are and whoever you are, I wish you God’s blessing as we start our run up to the Christmas Festival and Celebrations.

Matthew

NB: Thanks to those who donated photographs, and to others whose old photographs of Pollokshaws are in the publc domain.

The Garden – Summers End 2023

The Garden – Summers end 2023

It was good to watch ‘Gardeners’ World’ on the TV earlier this week as they gave their final round-up for this year’s summer season. I was encouraged to hear the experts say words to this effect, ‘it’s been an enjoyable season with lots of success, but also with some failures and disappointments’. Perhaps the most important thing they said was ‘but we really enjoyed it‘! Did I ever tell you I enjoy my garden!!!

Let’s start with a look at the flowers, most of which were bought as ‘plug plants’ from Garden Centres and Supermarkets and grown on, but towards the end of the season some full grown plants for the new flower bed were also purchased. So many photos but first a quick look at the flowers!

Trees and bushes, roses and grasses were lovely too, here are some we enjoyed

Then there was the greenhouse, and this year, just for a change I grew house plants along with the usual vegetables. Some of the house plants were bought from the Garden Centre, then grown on and split. Others I grew from seed, and was particularly happy that two small cacti that survived from seed. Hurrah! a first for me 🙂 I also tried rooting a couple of succulents from the leaves, and they seem to have rooted successfully, but what to do with them in the winter, is a bit oif a dilemna!

There were a few failures! my ‘corn on the cob’ was given much love and care but the results were very disappointing, I’ll need to get some help from my African friends, methinks! Carrots this year in a bucket were poor, and the Aubergines produced beautiful plants with lots of flowers but only one small fruit. After having it with dinner last night, I think it may be off the menu for future 🙂

I’ve probably missed something, but hopefully the above is enough to let you understand the joy of a garden. The bulbs for Spring have now been planted, and the Greenhouse was emptied and cleaned this week. Hopefully some of the plants more susceptible to the cold will be preserved there until Spring. Of course a garden takes time and effort, but that could also be said of anything worthwhile we do or achieve in life. Well perhaps a garden is somewhat different, for the simple reason that actually I don’t grow anything, all I do is plant, feed and water, but I can’t actually make anything grow, only God can do that! So I just stand back and marvel at the amazing God of creation! Here is a quotation from the book of Corinthians, which is so true, and I am often reminded of in the garden!

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow!

1 For the beauty of the earth, 
for the glory of the skies, 
for the love which from our birth 
over and around us lies. 

Refrain: 
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise 
this, our hymn of grateful praise. 

2 For the wonder of each hour 
of the day and of the night, 
hill and vale and tree and flower, 
sun and moon and stars of light, [Refrain ]

3 For the joy of human love, 
brother, sister, parent, child, 
friends on earth, and friends above, 
for all gentle thoughts and mild, [Refrain] 

4 For yourself, best gift divine, 
to the world so freely given, 
agent of God's grand design: 
peace on earth and joy in heaven.

Christ, our Lord, to you we raise 
this, our hymn of grateful praise.

To all my friends and fellow gardeners, I hope you have had an enjoyable Summer, perhaps in your garden or in someone else’s garden. But wherever you are I wish you every blessing as we move forward into a new season. The words of the above old hymn I pray will cause you to lift your eyes and thoughts to the God who loves you!

Matthew

Visit Scotland in September? say YES!

**Bauchaille Etive Mor at the entrance to Glen Coe**

September is a good month to visit Scotland as the weather is often dry with many sunny days, tho’ perhaps a bit chilly in the mornings! It’s pleasant weather for touring around and since it is the first month of Autumn you see the beauty in the trees as the leaves begin to change colour, but still with lots of flowers in the gardens and hedgerows. This year, the weather has been particularly warm and sunny at the beginning of the month, so we took the opportunity to travel.

Our first trip took us East from Glasgow to the Firth of Forth where the river makes it’s exit into the North Sea, and on whose southern bank sits the city of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. We took a one and one half hour boat trip around the three bridges and Inchcolm Island, and found the historic commentary on board very interesting. Here are some photographs.

Later that week we travelled 200 miles north to visit family and friends along the Moray Coast and were thankful the warm weather seemed to travel with us, as you can see from the photographs.

On the Sunday we met other friends at the morning service in Elgin Baptist Church and later enjoyed a beautiful afternoon sitting at the harbour in Gardenstown.

The five days passed all too quickly and soon we were on our way home. We chose the scenic route via Inverness / Loch Ness, Fort William, Glen Coe and Loch Lomond. We had plenty of stops along the way and made the most of the day. Here are some final photos from our trip.

Well it’s sad in some respects to see the summer coming to an end for yet another year, but every season has its attractions, despite the changing weather patterns! The Autumn colours, the planting of Spring bulbs, winter nights with a good book, or friends and family around the fireside all have their attractions!

Our lives have their seasons too, our childood and teenage years, our early adult life, then middle age and old age! Now that I find myself in the latter category, it is interesting to think back and review all of life’s ups and downs, joys and sorrows, successes and disappointments. Photographs are a great way of doing that. The arrival of children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren are often a sure way to bring a smile to your face.

At the Church we visited in Elgin the pastor asked the question, ‘so what are you looking forward to’? You could expect a hundred and one answers to that question if you were to stop people on the street. but I think ‘seniors’ generally would answer differently from the rest of society. The pastor’s sermon that day was entitled A LIVING HOPE! You can see why from the Bible passage he read quoted below.

Quote – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 (main points of sermon highlighted)

Compare this with the following quotation from the late atheistic philosopher Bertrand Russell. Quote – “all the labours of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and that the whole temple of Man’s achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the débris of a universe in ruins” …….. Only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair, can the soul’s habitation henceforth be safely built.”

Actually the sermon at Church that Sunday finished with the thought of increasing hope as you get older, which is surely counter cultural, and the antithesis to Mr Bertrand R’s message of doom and despair! The Christian message is based on the historical facts of the life, death and resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ the Son of God, who came to save us from the consequences of our sin, if only we will repent and put our trust in Him as our Saviour. Watch below the late Willie Gilvear from the Gallowgate in Glasgow telling what hope he found in Jesus.

So as you get older what are you hoping for? There is new birth, new hope, an inheritance in heaven and security in life and death available through faith in Jesus Christ. Someone has said, life without Christ leads to a hopeless end, but life in Christ leads to an endless hope!

Not yet a Jesus follower? Why not seize the opportunity and come to Christ now and start a life filled wiith HOPE? Here’s Willie Gilvear ….

Always glad to hear from my readers! Be blessed wherever you are!

Matthew

Plans, Projects and Purpose

Well perhaps you are not the planning type, and tend just to ‘go with the flow’ as some like to put it, and that’s fine. During my working career I was invariably working to time deadlines, so planning was an essential part of life, and I know that will be true for many who read this blog. That can make life a bit too stressful at times, but it can also be very rewarding to see a project well done and on time!

Since retiring I guess I have continued in the ‘planning mode’, although as I get older plans are somewhat less ambitious, and time scales more flexible! 🙂

This month in the garden the plan was to clear out the heather bed which had gone a bit wild and replant it with something different, but what kind of plants? That question has been answered in the short term, but all being well, we will have a review in the Spring. I also planned to refurbish the pergola which was getting a bit tired looking. Here are some photographs!

Heather bed with many bare patches and lots of weeds

Instant gardening thanks to the Garden Centre and local hardware supermarket. All perrenial plants, supposedly frost resistant to -10 to – 20 degrees. Time will tell, but meantime we are enjoying the plants and the three rose bushes are now about to flower. I was happy to let my grandson Lewis remove the deep heather roots. which was a great help.

We still managed a few day trips in the last month, one was to the Isle of Bute and another to The Trossachs. And as always we try and choose a fair weather day!

First some photographs of our trip to Bute.

The Isle of Bute is beautiful, and a one day visit is far too short! The ferry fare for two adults and a car is reasonable at less than forty pounds return, so I’d recommend you treat yourself if you live here in the UK.

Our visit to ‘The Trossachs’ included the three loch’s drive and Loch Katrine, and that is always spectacular, but it was good to see the first signs of the forest recovering after the devastation caused by Storm Arwen in November 2021. Here are some photos.

Great to see the ‘Sir Walter Scott’ steamship still bringing pleasure to the many tourists who visit Loch Katrine. My late friend and Ship’s Architect Andrew Cumming was involved some years ago in a refurbishment programe on this ship. The ship was first launched in the year 1900 so has been in service now for well over a century! Amazing!

Reflections:

I started this blog by talking about plans, and how they change as the years go by, and perhaps become less ambitious. It reminded me of this front cover in Newsweek, which I photographed back in 2009 and which I came across recently

I am sure Gordon Brown’s plan had his best intentions at heart, and may have produced some beneficial results, but saving the world? This of course was the media’s take on the plan, and I am sure that the author himself never claimed that for it. But as you watch and listen to the news I am sure we are all agreed that the world needs a saviour. There is great talk and planning going on at present about saving the planet, but what about the people? you and me and those caught up in war and oppression, or suffering through homelessness, thirst, flood, fire and famine, disease, sickness, crime, and lack of education …….?

The Bible speaks of a man who came to save the people of the world, and is in fact still saving them today! I refer of course to Jesus the Son of God. Remember Christmas? – ‘Unto you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ the Lord’.

We all have plans, things that we intend to do or people and places we hope to visit. If you are amongst the world’s poorest you are perhaps dreaming of ‘a life in ‘the West’ and are willing to risk all to get there. In the West for many the plans are for bigger houses, electric cars, and exotic holidays. But are you planning for life after death? for eternity? Jesus said ‘What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?’

Benjamin Franklin the American statesman penned this phrase in a letter in 1789 ‘in this life nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes! Hopefully you have your taxes covered, but how about your soul? All of the Bible speaks about God’s plan to send a Saviour to save us from God’s wrath and judgement against our sin. Here are some Bible verses that outline God’s plan to save us, both in English and Chinese the world’s most spoken languages. Take time to consider them

PURPOSE: It’s good to remember that we are here for a purpose. To the question ‘What is mans chief end?’ The Westminster Shorter Chatechism states ‘Mans chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever’. You might ask why? Psalm 145 may help answer that question.

Let’s plan wisely for our eternal future, while we still have time.

Matthew

Border Country – a visit to Dawyck!

Driving in the Scottish Borders

The Royal Botanical Gardren in Edinburgh, also cares for three other botanical gardens in Scotland. One in Dunoon (Benmore B.G.) one in Dumfries and Galloway (Logan B.G.) and this one at Dawyck in the Scottish Borders. So with this visit we have now completed a visit to all four. It’s a while since we have been to the Edinburgh one, so a return visit is now overdue!

The Scottish Borders

Dawyck is a one and a half hour drive from Glasgow, heading south down the M74, before turning off at Abington. It’s a very pleasant drive after you get outside the greater Glasgow area, but becomes particularly beautiful once you leave Abington. The low rolling lush green hills, with rivers meandering through the valleys, the quiet roads, and the sheep and cattle grazing in the fields are very pleasing to one’s senses. We came home thinking ‘we should really visit this area more often.’ You can judge for yourself from the photographs above.

Dawyck Botanical Gardens

The purpose of our visit to the area was however to have a walk in the gardens and to see the variety of trees, flowers and plants growing there. We picked the perfect day and throughly enjoyed the drive and the gardens. Entrance fee for ‘seniors’ is £7.00 per head, and there is a lovely tea room, exhibition area and shop, with modern clean rest rooms.

It is difficult to say which one of the gardens we have most preferred, for whilst they all have their similarities, they also have their unique locations and features. It also depends on what time of the year you visit, but I’m going to say Logan Botanical Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway. We loved being there in the Spring and enjoyed the pond areas and the Spring flowers and the singing of the birds, but why not visit the gardens and decide for yourself? You won’t be disappointed!

We also made a short return visit in June back to Benmore Gardens near Dunoon. It was nice to see the gardens in summer. Above are a few photographs.

One thing I have noticed as we have explored these botanical gardens is that the majority of visitors are certainly in the 50+ age group (perhaps even the 60+ age group). I have often asked myself why that should be? I expect that one answer at least, will be the fact that as you get older you tend to enjoy more times of peace and quiet, and a walk in the garden seems to perfectly fit the bill!

My recent reading!

Coinciding with our recent visits to the botanical gardens I have been reading the above two books. The first one received as a birthday present a few months ago. The biography of John Bunyan by Peter Morden is a fascinating read. John was born in Elstow, Bedfordshire in 1628 during the reign of Charles I. However I guess most folks today have never heard of John Bunyan, even although his book ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ was until the middle of the 20th Century, only second to the world’s best seller The Bible in numbers published, and has been continuously published up until today from its first printing in 1678. It is considered a world classic!

Peter Morden paints the picture well, of a swearing ‘tinker’ boy who grew up to follow in his father’s footsteps. On the outbreak of the Civil war between the King and Parliament, John became a soldier in the army of the parliamentarians. Later in life he became a Christian, a husband and father, a popular preacher, a pastor, a prisoner in Bedford jail and a prolific author. Bunyan spent 12 years in Bedford jail, and his crime? He was a preacher of the Bible drawing large crowds to follow him. The Scots had already rebelled at the introduction of the Church of England Prayer book (you may know the Jenny Geddes story) and now non-conformists and desenters were growing in number south of the border too! It was while in a dank prison cell that he wrote his book The Pilgrim’s Progress.

Pilgrim’s Progress is written as an allegory which takes place in a dream. here’s a summary from ‘Goodreads’:

“Pilgrim’s Progress is a famous story of man’s progress through life in search of salvation and remains one of the most entertaining allegories of faith ever written. Set against realistic backdrops of town and country, the powerful drama of the pilgrim’s trials and temptations follows him in his harrowing journey to the Celestial City. Along a road filled with monsters and spiritual terrors, Christian confronts such emblematic characters as Worldly Wiseman, Giant Despair, Talkative, Ignorance, and the demons of the Valley of the Shadow of Death. But he is also joined by Hopeful and Faithful.“

After completing the biography I decided to read the book again. I smiled at the names given to the characters that Pilgrim meets, I’ve met them all I believe, and from time to time have seen myself described in them. Below are two quotations from the book as Pilgrim approaches the end of his journey, which seemed to relate well to our walks in the gardens.

In Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, the Land of Beulah is a pleasant and fertile country within sight of the Heavenly City.

I should say however, that The Pilgrim’s Progress is a book very close to my heart, as this was the book that started me on my own Christian pilgrimage. And in particular the paragraph from the book quoted below.

Here at the Cross of Christ Pilgrims burden of sin falls from his back.

Here’s a song about Beulah land that we used to sing at church, which I’m sure you will enjoy

I hope you enjoyed the photographs and the read. Perhaps you’ll be intrigued enough to download one of the world’s best selling books The Pilgrim’s Progress and have a read for yourself.

I hope you enjoy what remains of the summer if you are here in Europe, but wherever you are I wish you every blessing!

Matthew

Almost Mid- Summer and the Garden is in full bloom!

Here is a look into our garden now that we are approaching mid summer. In many ways it has been like a ‘mid-summer night’s dream‘ – to see the flowers and vegetables, and the trees and bushes so beautifully flourishing. The warm summer weather we enjoyed during the month of June surely played a part, followed by days of ‘sunny showers’ and warm thundery weather. The potato bags and carrot pot at the entrance to the greenhouse are certainly looking good, but time will tell how many potatoes and carrots will be harvested.

The Greenhouse is a bit full, but I am enjoying my experiment with house plants, some grown from seed and others bought and split and repotted. My wife has already claimed a few for her collection in the house! You can see above two small cacti that have been grown from seed, so praying they will survive! The tomatoes are showing their displeasure at not being my main focus this year, but they are now starting to ripen and we have enjoyed the firstfruits along with a nice cucumber! The peppers and aubergines are looking good, and the tub of parsley and garlic flavoured chives we have proved to be tasty in a stir fry.

Most of the pots are filled with flowers bought as plug plants. I confess to using some of the supermarkets as their prices are usually much cheaper, and I can bring the plants on in the greenhouse. I do have a ‘Club’ card at one of the big garden centres and that too is helpful, as you get two free hot drinks of your choice when you visit! 🙂 We have had our gazeebo up since the end of May and so far it has survived even in some rather blowy days with the help of some extra ‘guy ropes’.

The rhubarb has done well this year and I see that my wife has made a rhubarb tart today! Ive planted some corn for the first time so I am jusr waiting to see if it produces some edible cobs, but at least the apple tree looks like having a fair crop. It’s always a pleasure when some of my great grandchildren pop in to see us. One brought his sunflower seedlings round to see if I could look after them for him, so that’s a bit of a challenge. The bird station is always a pleasure too, and its nice to see the variety of birds that come around.

There has been been quite a lot of hard work to do this year, and one section of the garden is under reconstruction as it were! I’m grateful for the help of one of my grandsons who gives me a hand, but he now has a new job so it is just when he is free. I’m so thankful to God for our garden, as I keep saying. 🙂 When I was in Africa it was common at Church prayer meetings to hear people praying for rain, and for a good harvest, for they realised their dependence on God who controls the weather. It is such a major factor in getting the results looked for. I always try to emulate their practice!

So this is the garden report for mid summer, and all being well I’ll give a final report at the end of the season. To all my fellow gardeners, I wish you great sucess and joy during this year’s growing season.

I’ll finish with this wee poem I came across which I really like, but I’ve yet to install a garden pool!

My Garden by Thomas Edward Brown – born 5th May 1830

A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot!
Rose plot,
Fringed pool,
Ferned grot—
The veriest school
Of peace; and yet the fool
Contends that God is not—
Not God! in gardens! when the eve is cool?
Nay, but I have a sign;
‘Tis very sure God walks in mine.

Matthew (the amateur gardiner)

The Island of Tiree – Scotland

‘**AN TURAS’ –** ‘***The Journey***‘ – **WELCOME** to **TIREE!**

TIREE is a low lying island in the Inner Hebrides, also the most westerly, with a population of around 650. It is only twelve miles long and three miles wide, with its amazing beaches, animal, bird and sea life and grasslands and flora, and one of the sunniest places in the UK. Well that sets out some of the main facts about the island, but hopefully the photographs and script that follows will give you a glimpse of the sense of freedom and joy that can be experienced on a holiday here.

Hard to explain the wildness and beauty of God’s creation witnessed in Tiree, the big skies, both day and night, the narrow roads, isolated cottages, and many small lochans, the blue sea both calm and wild, the amazing quiet and empty beaches, the open grasslands with a tumultuous array of flowers, and the wandering cattle and sheep and other wild life that call this place home. As they say in Scotland ‘somethings are better felt than telt‘!

We were back there again this year during the month of May for our holidays, attracted by all of the above, and where as always we received a warm welcome as holiday makers, so many visitors come, some attracted by the special events held throughout the year. There’s a welcome notice right on the pier with a very clever piece of art work called ‘An Turas,’ but be careful not to miss it as you can easily pass it by!

Tiree is famous for its wide white sandy beaches, and depending on wind direction you can choose the one best suited to your day’s plan. Water sports, or just walking and sunbathing. So here is a selection of some that we visited!

Boats and harbours, birds and animals, dolphins and seals can be spotted all around the island, with a couple of Bird Hides conveniently placed for a quiet seat to enjoy!

Now for a variety of shots from this years Tiree collection, which I really like.

We also visited some ancient ruins of Churches, a Broch, a Watermill, a Graveyard where my great grandfather and mother I believe are buried, plus Churches of today and friends of today with whom we enjoyed food and fellowship.

Kirkapol Chapel dedicated to St Columba mid 14 Century

When we go on holiday we always like to visit the Church(s) in the area and join in fellowship with fellow Christians. To many in society nowadays the Church seems an irrelevance, but not to God or to those who know and love Him! It is said of Jesus, God’s Son, ‘that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it’! The two pictures below I think speak volumes!

On the first Sunday we were at the Baptist Church and sang with Joy –

Come, people of the Risen King who delight to bring Him praise Come all and tune your hearts to sing to the Morning Star of grace, From the shifting shadows of the earthwe will lift our eyes to Him where steady arms of mercy reach to gather children in!

On the 2nd Sunday we visited the Church of Scotland at Heylipol where the text’s above the pulpit remind us of our home Church! Most worshippers sat at the back and at the side, but this dear man chose to sit near the front. Perhaps he has used that seat for many years. We sang – Take my life and let it be consecrated to Thee, Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love, Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee

These two songs in many ways encapsulate for us the Christian life! In Church and home we sing praise and thanks to God for His Grace, in providing Salvation for us through the work of His Son Jesus, and for calling us to be His children! Then in response to that love we sing ‘Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee’…… We met two young men from the Faith Mission there who were keen to proclaim the good news of the Gospel, and were certainly putting into practice the words of the second hymn referred to above.

I find the last photo on this blog very emotive! I think of our Christian heritage as a nation that we now seem content to let slip ‘through our fingers’ as it were, while we witness so much heartache and tears all around us, and hear many dear folks speak of the future with a sense of fear and foreboding. Tom Lenie in his excellent book ‘Land of Revivals’ records for us some great days of revival in Tiree around 1837 – 1846 when the Churches in Tiree were filled as people found salvation and fresh new hope through faith in Jesus Christ.

Many Christians today are united in prayer, asking God to come again in the power of His Spirit to bring revival to Scotland, its islands, towns and cities. I recall the words of the Scottish Bard, Robert Burns in his poem “The Cotter’s Saturday Night’ as he recalls a scene in the household of a Scottish Christian family as they pray together – He says –

From scenes like these, old Scotia’s grandeur springs
That makes her lov’d at home, rever’d abroad:

Grandeur? I wonder if that word that would be used to describe our nation’s stature today? I will end here by inviting you if you don’t go to Church to consider starting to attend, or perhaps again,? a Church near you that teaches the Bible, wherever you live! If you do I am sure you will be blessed by God!

I hope you enjoyed the photos, you’d love Tiree, although I confess to being slightly biased as my ancestors came from there! Always glad to hear from you.

Matthew

PS: if you missed the video of our trip from Tiree to Skerryvore you cam see it here

From Tiree to ‘Skerryvore’ – Scotland”s Tallest Lighthouse!

**Skerryvore looking forboding on a cloudy day – Photo by Susie Gamble**

Our holiday this year took us again back to the Island of Tiree. One thing I had in mind before arriving was to visit the Skerryvore Lighthouse, situated some 12 miles south west of the Island, right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. We had previously visited the Skerryvore Museum on the island, at Hynish, and had been fascinated by the story it told. So we registered our interest with Tiree Sea Tours shortly after arrival, and in the intervening period made another visit along to the Museum where there is an extensive collection of memorabilia and many information boards, from which much information has been gleaned for this blog.

During the period 1786 to 1938 the Stevenson family were responsible for the desisgn and building of 156 lighthouses around the coast of Scotland, including the lamps and optics, the engine room, the buildings, buoys and beacons, the radios and piers. The need was great, during the survey period and the building stage from 1790 until Skerryvore’s completion in 1844, more than thirty vessels had floundered on and around this reef! The toll of ships lost down the years must have been very considerable. Allan Stevenson, uncle of the well known writer and poet Robert Louis Stevenson, was the engineer in charge, and Skerryvore took three years to complete. The left hand side of the map below shows its exact location. His nephew descsribed Skerryvore as ‘the noblest of all extant deep- sea lights’ and considered by many to be the world’s most elegant and perfect lighthouse!

Well it seemed as if the weather would prevent us from achieving our goal to visit, but on the last day of our holiday we received news that the 2.5 hours return trip was on. The sea was fairly calm as we left Scarinish and followed the coastline along to Hynish to view the Museum from the sea. We then headed out towards the lighthouse and encountered a small pod of dolphins who swam alongside, which was so amazing to see. Later as we approached Skerryvore we enclountered a heavy sea swell, which prevented us getting as close to the lighthouse as we would have liked. Somehow this seemed to add to the trip, as we experienced the wildness and isolation of the place, and witnessed the changing sea conditions. It also let us see just how difficult it must have been on many occasions to change the lighthouse keepers at the end of their tour of duty.

We now have company as a pod of dolphins join us!

Approaching Skerryvore we encounter a large sea swell, but there it was – SKERRYVORE !

Reflection: The lighthouse has now been in use for 179 years on one of the most dangerous and exposed reefs to be found anywhere in the world, and one can only marvel at the skill, ingenuity and bravery of the men who designed and built it, and it is said, ‘with no loss of life‘! Four thousand three hundred blocks of rose coloured granite were used in its construction, it stands 156 ft tall with a diameter of 42 feet at the base and 16 feet at the top and weights 4,377 tonnes! This light has undoutedly saved many many lives, and we ‘take off our hats‘, to its designers, builders, and to the lighthouse keepers and maintenance engineers down through the years.

I bought this model of the lighthouse from ‘Tiree Sea Tours’ as a reminder of our exciting and memorable trip, and it currently has ‘pride of place’ on our mantlepiece. 🙂

The model also reminds me of another model lighthouse that I had many years ago. When I was in my twenties and thirties I was often asked to convey the Christian message to groups of children and young people, and it was always good to have an ‘object lesson’. So I had a cool 18″ tall lighthouse that lit up, that was very popular, and which I often used. Becoming a Jesus follower you see is all about heeding a warning light sent from heaven, telling us that humanity is in the dark and in great danger, and needs to steer a different course if they are to land safely on heaven’s shore, and avoid the wreckage of sin that the Bible names hell!

The warning LIGHT from heaven of course was JESUS. The Gospel of John starts with these words – ‘In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.……. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world‘

Jesus said of Himself “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Yes there is a light that shines into the darkness of our all our hearts, (The true light that gives light to everyone) warning us to steer a different course, and it is the light of Christ. Remember, His name Jesus means Saviour, and no matter how undeserving we are or lost we might feel, if we come to Him he guarantees to save us from the consequences of our sin, made possible because of His substituitonary death on our behalf at Calvary, followed by His resurrection and ascension.

Skerryvore is the perfect illustration of that other light shining in the darkness – Jesus. He is the firm foundation on which we can build our lives, a rock sure and steadfast. When we come to Him His Word becomes a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Why not come?

Here is a video of that trip we made to Skerryvore, which I hope you enjoy

A Sea Trip to Skerryvore Lighthouse

Have a great summer if you are here in Europe, but be blessed wherever you are, and remember Jesus, the Light of the World!

Matthew

Gardening, Local Beauty Spots and …….?

In my last blog I was speaking about a change of plan, which led to us visiting Scotland’s most ‘Southerly Point’. However we did manage to reinstate the planned visit with the family at Skelmorlie, and were blessed by amazing weather. So before I share about the garden here are a few photographs.

‘The hills of Clyde, the wonderful Clyde’

For the past few weeks however I have spent some time in the garden and greenhouse. The grass was cut and strimmed, the patio power washed and paths weeded. It’s been good to have the help of my grandson and my long forbearing wife! We have enjoyed the Spring flowers and the tulips in particular have been beautiful.

Its Springtime in the Garden!

With the Greenhouse now up and running, some seeds have been sown in the propagators, and some are already being repotted. ‘Plug plants’ bought locally are also being brouught-on, and will soon be ready for planting out once the threat of frost has past. This year I’ve reduced the number of tomato plants to four, but I’m still planning to grow the usual peppers, corn, chives, parsley and lettuce, and three bags of potatoes amd one bucket of carrots! I have also installed some new shelves (see below) in the greenhouse and plan to grow some house plants just for fun and a change. Plans are one thing, but I’ll wait and pray, to see how the season progresses. Here are some pics.

The Greenhouse at the beginning of the season 2023

April of course brings us into ‘Summertime’ and clock settings have moved on one hour, so its great to note that the sun is not setting now until 8.40pm. This allows us to have a short drive to some of the local beauty spots, in the evenings, as an alternative to the afternoons. Here’s some pics of local beauty spots visited this month!

Reflections:

Gardening in Scotland is always tricky business as the weather fluctuates so quickly. Today the sun was shining as I worked in the greenhouse, but as we went shopping in late afternoon, the sky was dark and we had heavy hailstones. Tonight the greenhouse will definitely require the heater as the temperature is due to drop below freezing again. So we need to keep on guard as things change quite rapidly.

Below is the poem which is carved in the plaque above ‘the Bonnie wee well‘, on the Gleniffer Braes, which we visited the other night. I remember the first time my mother took me there for a drink as a wee boy when we were walking on the hills. It seems a shame to see it looking rather dilapidated now, with the well dried up. The larks, which as children we watched on the moor, now also seem to be few and far between. Great memories however of this place.

“The bonnie wee well on the briest o’ the brae, where the hare steals to drink in the gloamin’ sae’ gray, Where the wild moorland birds dip their nebs and tak wing and the Lark weets its whistle ere mountain to sing”. Hugh Macdonald – 1817-1860

Springtime is my favourite season of the year, as everything is bursting into life again after the wet and dreary weather, which we had for much of this past winter.

And of course, Springtime always includes Easter, and at our Church we had a special weekend remembering the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. First a meal together then Communion on the Friday night, followed by a service in the park on Sunday morning, with ‘an egg hunt’ for the kids. The main Easter Service brought the Church together for a great celebration, when we joined with Christians from around the world proclaiming, and celebrating the fact that ‘Christ is Risen’! Then on Easter Monday there was a picnic at ‘The Kelpies’ near Falkirk to cap a great weekend. You can listen to the Sunday sermon here, well worth a listen! https://greenviewchurch.co.uk/sermons/easter-how-are-the-dead-raised-1-corinthians-ch15v35to58/

I did say in my last blog that I would tell of other places we visited when down in the Mull of Galloway, but I decided to make a short video instead, which you can see here. (A six minute watch) I hope you enjoy it.

Trust you are well wherever you are! I wish you successful gardening, and God’s blessing.

Matthew

South to Scotland’s Most Southerly Point!

We had planned to be on the Ayrshire Coast for the weekend, but due to unforseen circumstances we ended up in the town of Stranraer instead. Stranraer is considered the main gateway to Northern Ireland, and is famous for its ‘P&O’ and ‘Stena’ ferry terminals nearby. That has been our reasons for visiting the town in the past, but this time we had other ideas!

We found accommodation at the ‘Neptune Rest Guest House’, which was next to the shoreline and ideally suited for a gentle stroll along the promenade. We received a typically warm Scottish welcome, and found the place to be comfortable, clean and we enjoyed a more than ample breakfast. The location was also perfect for our plan to visit the Logan Botanical Garden and the Mull of Galloway!

Logan Botanical Garden

We arrived at the garden early in the day and enjoyed the peace and quiet of this ever so beautiful place, with its walled and wooded gardens and conservatory. So few people around at this time, and so the birds and fowl were easily spotted and kept up their song thoughout our stay. Far too many photos to show but here is a selection.

Logan Botanical Garden

The conservatory was smaller than expected but still well worth a visit. >

Logan Conservatory

We so loved this Garden, and wonder why we took so long to discover it? But soon it was time to move on through various picturesque villages to a wilder and more rugged country at the most southerly tip of the Mull, and indeed Scotland!

Drumore and the Most Southerly Point of Scotland

As we made our way back to Stranraer in late afternoon I made a quick stop to see the Kirkmadrine Stones, whilst Muriel relaxed in the car. This was a quiet, deserted, dramatic and atmospheric place. Let these few pictures tell their own story.

Visiting the Kirkmadrine Stones

Reflections: We visited a few more places during our visit but, all being well, these will form part of a later blog. Sometimes when you have to change plans quickly you feel a bit apprehensive, but on this occasion it all turned out better than we had imagined.

The beauty, and peace and quiet of the gardens contrasted so sharply with the wild landscape and the rugged coastline, the waves surging against the steep cliffs and the majestic views across the Irish Sea. And then the visit to the Kirkmadrine Stones just seemed to perfectly finish the day.

On reflection I thought that the day for many of us, was like a metaphor of life itself. The garden representing carefree years full of life, excitement, plans and expectations, and the wild and exposed headland and surging waves representing years that see storms, tragedies and dangers coming from unexpected directions, and then the Kirkmadrine Stones representing us fading into old age and eventually to life’s end.

However as I stood quietly on top of that small hill and looked and read these ancient stones (some dating back to 500-600 AD) I thought of those who had lived, and worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ in that little Church building, and who died and were buried there. Then my eye caught the inscription on the tall stone shown above. It was a quotation from the book of Revelation, spoken by Jesus after His resurrection. it reads “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” These words of Jesus transformed the scene before my eyes. For the truth of the words promised to his followers in John 11.25,26 have been demonstrated not only in the resurrection of Lazarus, but ultimately vindicated in Jesus’ own resurrection.

Christians all around the world celebrate Easter, and we do as well. We humble ourselves to consider Christ’s death on a cruel cross, his burial in a borrowed tomb, sealed with a heavy stone, and greatly rejoice at his amazing resurrection. We then apply that truth again to ourselves just as countless millions have done down the years, ‘the Son of God loved me, and gave Himself for me’!

I was reminded of that as I turned to come down the hill and took a last look back at the cross. Yes, in spite of indifference, and opposition to the good news of Jesus ‘the Cross is still there after all these years‘ and Jesus still invites us to come for forgiveness and to find new life through repentence and faith in His finished work. It took us a longtime to discover the wonder of the Logan Botanic Garden, and it takes some folks a longtime to discover the unsurpassable beauty of Jesus and His love. But it’s still not too late, so why not come this Easter?

Wherever you are, I wish you God’s blessing this Easter

Matthew

PS: If you think Easter is too good to be true try listening to Pastor Colin Adams on the subject – it’s just 5.50 minutes in length.

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The Garden – Summers end 2023

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