We watched the back end of Billy Elliot, that great film about a lad growing up in Co Durham in the midst of the miners strike, who discovered his talent for ballet dancing. The initial suspicion and mockery from family, friends and the community in general eventually turns to support after he wins a scholarship to the premier dancing college in London.
It reminded me about the ex-mining communities of Rossington and Edlington which I am to lose this summer in the next re-shuffle of the Circuit sections. Over the years I have found something very special about these communities, not always the easiest places to be a Christian, but warm, genuine and down-to earth. I will really miss the contact with the people as well as the love and support of those in the Churches there.
13 Aug
