October 2024 - Magazine - Page 37
ST LUKE’S
MATFIELD
Rev. Andrew Axon
01892 890688
revandrew@mail.com
www.stlukeschurchmatfield.org
Oh dear, oh deer!
A
fter eight years of living in our villages we have finally reached the status of local
car drivers. We were driving down the A21 towards Lamberhurst at dusk when a deer
darted across the road in front of us. I braked hard and it cleared the road safely…….
and then its deer mate followed it across the carriageway and ran straight under the
front of our car. Whilst it was able to hobble off it was evident that it was badly injured
and as I called the Police to report an injured deer blocking the A21 the kind lady behind
us blocked the road with her 4X4 and called a wildlife rescue service. With a small child
in our car and the impending risk of traffic hurtling down the A21 (thankfully no humans
hurt) we drove on home.
I feel truly horrible for injuring this animal. I can visualise the impact in my imagination
and can still see it sitting on the road looking very sorry for itself. As humans we seem
fundamentally wired to care, to love and to protect. Our instinct is to preserve life and
as Brits we are known (if not renowned) for caring passionately about our domestic pets
and native wildlife. I sometimes hear the phrase that people often prefer animals to
other humans; today I will stay neutral and state that both are important in different
ways.
During November the Church marks two significant ‘people’ occasions. The first is
an amalgamation of special days, the feasts of All Saints/All Souls. A time to pause
to remember and give thanks for precious loved ones. Prayerful days that enable us
to pause, reflect and give thanks for those we love but see no more. You might want
to share the time by lighting a candle or saying a prayer of thanksgiving. The second
occasion is Remembrance Sunday, when two-minutes silence and red paper poppies help
us to remember those lost in conflict and pray for peace. Please join us in church or at
the war memorial to make your own remembrance.
Reverend Andrew Axon
Parish Administrator: Miranda Hungerford 07970 655092 miranda@parishoffice.info
Working hours: Tu,We,Th 10am-3pm
Postal address: Parish Administrator, Holly House, School Hill, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8DE
Curate: Rev. Dr. Andy Cameron 07841 386034
Church wardens : Alex Cunningham 01892 724481 & Tom Trinder 01892 724059
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