Christian Aid Weekend

Saturday was the Christian Aid Humber Bridge Cross. Barbara and I picked up Lisa and we went the car park. Barbara was the one who was sponsored so while she registered in the marquee, Lisa and I took shelter from the downpour that began at 2pm when the walk should have started. The Bishop of Hull decided it might set in and offered a prayer and then set us on our way. We were waiting in case Pauline came but a call assured she wasn't so we set off with Jean R. The rain had stopped and, apart from the spray from the traffic, managed to stay dry. We did the return crossing in about 80 minutes including a couple of stops for a chat and at the Barton end.
Barbara came back and jumped straight in the bath. We were at the City Hall to see the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra concert and she didn't want to stiffen up! The concert was very good. There was a new work "The Lamp of Liberty, op.155" for the Wilberforce celebrations by Anthony Hedges and Beethoven's 9th Symphony. The evening started with Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" which made a few people jump at the beginning. We were searching for Brian S. in the Hull Choral Union when I turned round and looked straight at his wife Chris who was sat just behind us with Margaret and Steve S. Coincidences!
Sunday was the Christian Aid service at Church. It was a "Cafe style" service led by Stephen R. followed by a lunch provided by some of the people who attend his Church. We were introduced to them during the service. Coming from Iran, Zimbabwe and Angola, we cannot imagine what they have had to go through and yet some people begrudge them a place in our society. I was involved in the service doing three short dramas with Lesley S. so I was a bit distracted but enjoyed the service and the lunch afterwards. The food was ethnic and delicious. Bob R. made sure that we all contributed a sufficient financial offering to cover the expenses and leave a good sum for Christian Aid.
After lunch, I met with Brenda H. and Pete R. to talk about next weeks service. I'd spent Saturday morning finishing my contribution off but forgot to take it. I have read it through aloud a couple of times and it seems to fit in the 10 minutes. At least, having it finished means I can go back and alter it or alter it on the day on the hoof.
Monday, Barbara was out at a Network Day at Trinity Methodist so I decided to have a go at my laptop. It was a good job she was out in the evening too as it gave me a chance to finish off. A couple of false starts and then, once I had formatted the hard drive, getting all the updates etc for XP and then Microsoft Office followed by the Antivirus and updates. It took ages. Hopefully, whatever was slowing it down has gone. It seems much faster now but then I haven't set up the network yet. Will have to wait for another day out on Barbara's social calendar!