National Trust

Having been gifted a years entry to National Trust properties we are now trying to find the time to actually visit some. We knew what everyone said happens when you retire that you become busier than before. Well with grandparent duties, both in London and in Banbury, then trying to get the house and garden in order, and going to church etc etc etc time flies by and we are struggling to squeeze some visits in. So far we have managed Upton Hall, Hardwick Hall, Clivedon Gardens and Nunnington Hall. I will include some photos. 

However the thing that strikes me in the light of our current political and economic crisis is what wealth some people had, some still do, in relation to the general population. 

While its good that gardens and properties are preserved or renewed for all to enjoy ( well as long as you can afford to visit). I have felt that sense of unease about how these places came to be. It is especially challenging when we now see the dark side of one political party. Sadly this has increasingly meant they stand on the side of the rich and powerful. Just as in the past, alliances are made to hold onto wealth, power and privilege. Yes those alliances alter according to how the wind is blowing, but be in no doubt, when push comes to shove, people chose to cling to what they have rather than share and give it up. This stands in stark contrast with the biblical message of welcoming the refugee, caring for the widow and the orphan. 

You know when people feel on the ropes because they start looking for scapegoats and playing to peoples fears. So once again those seeking refuge are falsely accused of being the cause of all our troubles. The language used by leading politicians breeds negativity, fear and hatred. It cannot hide the fact that these past 12 years there has been an erosion of being a society that cares for all.

As we visit these amazing national trust properties you often find that it's the same families who held onto the land and wealth, and many of their descendants still do. So while we will tread the gardens, houses and appreciate what was created, we will also hold that sense of injustice and the need for it to become a reality today.

Creator God

you brought everything into existence

and for this we praise you.

Creator God 

you committed to people

the task to both enjoy

and care for the planet.

and for this we acknowledge 

our responsibility

and our failure to do so.

Lord Jesus

you came to show us 

a way of living

that involves

truly sharing

and not hoarding.

We acknowledge

we are good at taking 

and using resources,

but poor at sharing.

Holy Spirit

fill us now 

that we might become

the people

you intended us to be

one with God and each other.

Teach us the language and behaviour

of Love and not fear.

God,

Creator, Son and Holy Spirit

transform our nation

that it might be 

a living sign of your Kingdom.

Amen

(c) Mark Goodhand November 2022.

Upton Hall not the most attractive frontage.

Now the back is so much better.

ah what a veg plot!!

Guess the famous artist?

You always have to have a drive way.

Hardwick Hall

Bess of Hardwick a woman in a mans world who made her fortune.

What a bed and wall tapestries. We might all be needing to hang curtains around our beds to keep warm this winter!!!

Cliveden house and gardens

Too ambitious for our back garden???