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Published: 24 December 2025

An update from Tony & Gay Ford

Increasingly glad for electronic calendars that remind of life through this year, we review it briefly. 'We' means Gay and me.

January

After a busy Christmas, our parish began a weekly Monday evening focus on Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer—a wonderful focus on being more with Jesus to become more like him and do what he does.

Gay's birthday.

February

A four-day visit to Granada to meet other European OC leaders for friendship and encouragement. The Alhambra amazed.

Our third wedding anniversary!

March

Our rector, Gaz, announces he will leave for a post in West Kensington, London. The parish hosts Luke & Ania Greenwood of Steiger Mission; they thrill us with reports on their work and challenge us to support Steiger's Poland House where multiple young people will train in evangelism.

April

A holiday in Highcliffe, Dorset, with unusually hot weather to enjoy the coastline.

May

A second visit to Guatemala for the OC Global Alliance team meetings in Antigua. Numerous young leaders help energise a focus for the alliance on working together,

June

Gaz's last Sunday in Broadwater. We have a great holiday in Norfolk, discovering its beauty—coastal and inland. As a boy I read Christian adventure books set in The Norfolk Broads. I loved seeing them, albeit briefly. My birthday,

July

A longstanding friend turns 90. Gosh, how did that happen?

August

We hosted my four grandchildren, accompanied by their parents. Arundel always rewards a visit. Findon Place takes part in the National Gardens Scheme. We visit on a hot Sunday afternoon, glad to see the grounds, eat ice cream and bump into family friends.

September

I make a return visit to Colorado Springs, staying with dear friends Eric & Debbie, for the first face-to-face meeting of the OC Global Alliance Collaboration Hub team. I help the team with communications.

We stay in Wales, near Talybont, for a windy, often wet week. Ah, the hills!

Gay's granddaughter goes to New Zealand with YWAM to lead a group there. Her first YWAM experience was in 2024.

October

More walking in the Lake District with church friends, long hikes, damp and beautiful. The parish prays earnestly for our new rector and our future.

November

We visit family in Cambridge and travel later to Edinburgh, where new OC Brazilian friends are based. They support global workers by visiting them and receiving some locally. Their warmth delights us. Long distance train travel proves a blessing. I go to Ely where my oldest granddaughter is confirmed in the cathedral. Misty eyes all round.

December

The parish gears up for a busy Advent season with many events from Fair to Christingles. Several schools bring classes into our 900+ year old building. Joy builds.

We take part in a Reflective Service in our wonderful local hospice, St Barnabas, where we remember with gratitude Marian and Robin.

We plan to visit Christmas Day with Gay's family. I willl visit Alun and Carol in London on Boxing Day and the Cambridge family arrive here for two days over new year.

Gay and I send our very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.