December 20, 2003

Immaculate Concoction

Being a generally genial chappie, controversy isn't one of my favourite pastimes. I very much appreciate 2nd Timothy 2: 24 -

"The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness." (ESV)

There are occasions though when anthills need to be stamped and smoked. Reading Mecandes' blogspot this week has driven me to fetch my hob-nails and gas-gun. I have no axe to grind with Mecandes, and enjoy my recent discovery of her musings, but feel I should contribute my ha'penny. Unfortunately, it will have to wait until Monday or Tuesday when the deadlines of Sunday ministry are not stalking me like two giant stalking things.

Postponed but itching to be written is a little piece I should probably submit to my local community newspaper, entitled "The Folly Bush".

Our village already has a pub called the Forester's Arms. Admittedly I have never been inside until this week, but it is certainly there on the main road. THe Holly Bush was the village's second pub until a couple of years ago, when it burned down in allegedly suspicious circumstances (so I hear in local gossip - but to avoid slanderous comments, I distance myself from such scurrilous remarks :)). When the brewery decided that they would rather sell the land for housing property than open a hostelry again, there was an ENORMOUS hoo-hah. Websites were published, leaflets distributed, MP's petitioned, and Parochial Parish Councils mobilised.

"Our community needs the Holly Bush!", was the cry. This last week it reluctantly reopened after planning permission for housing was denied by the Borough Council. How can I put this..? It's a dump.

My wife and I went in to eat in order to satisfy our curiosity - how disappointing! OK, there are still unfinished elements, so we have to be patient - but it is poky, unappealing, and furnished in a 'nouveau British Legion' motif. Having visited the ladies (which still has no handles or locks on the cubicles), my wife suggested that we eat at the Forester's Arms on the same block. Open fires, Christmas decorations, comfortable and pleasant furnishings, and a host from the finest city in the UK who could not have been more attentive.

Holly Bush? Pah! Wally Bush, more like.

Posted by pencils at December 20, 2003 02:38 PM | TrackBack
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