PCC Away Day at Llan, 11th November 2006

How hard it was on Saturday, 11th November, to forget about housework, garden chores and other responsibilities in order to take part in the PCC Away Day at the Llan Retreat House.

After an exciting journey into the unknown, as no-one seemed to be able to describe the route, we all arrived safely to be greeted with steaming hot coffee or tea and decidedly unhealthy chocolate biscuits. A promising start to what turned out to be a most enjoyable day.

As some PCC members, being fairly new in the scheme of things, didn’t really know their companions too well, introductions were managed during a hilarious few minutes, resulting in what could best be described as a spider’s web.

Honestly, Rector, I only wanted to scare Miss Muffett

Slightly apprehensive!

By devious means the group was divided into sub-groups – before being given a seemingly impossible task of building a structure from straws and pins.

No peeping! This is strictly confidential.

You can laugh! It’s MY thumb that is pinned to this structure!

Another inch and we could enter it for the Turner Prize!

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As can be seen from photographs of the event, interesting aspects of creativity soon became apparent! What the work did show, in fact, was that people who were completely different in temperament, ability and experience, could combine their skills (and sense of humour) to complete a given task satisfactorily. Each group worked in a different way given their diverse characteristics, with each set of individuals reaching a satisfactory conclusion, also learning a good deal about each other in the process.

After holding a 2-minute silence to commemorate Armistice Day, refreshment soon enabled members to replenish energy before retiring to the Chapel to take part in a Eucharist led by Revd. Andrew Talbot-Ponsonby. He used a Scottish Eucharist which is used daily at Iona. A sense of peace pervaded the Chapel and the view through the long narrow window of the hills, woods and fields in their autumn glory gladdened the heart.

Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!

Before lunch there was time to browse in the well-stocked library or further admire the views.

Shirley combines a book search with aerobics.

Fiona pauses poetically.

Intellectual Inspiration OR Learning Support?

Keith hopes no-one will notice him.

Val escapes into Literature although still trying to shoulder the weight of the world.

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A delicious lunch further increased the calorie intake giving some enough energy to contemplate walking in the glorious countryside despite the blustery winds. Others retreated to the library or sitting room to enjoy the fruits of their library browse.

A Jamie Oliver Special.

Whichever option was chosen, participants benefited from the opportunity to escape from the busy round and to only have to think about self and one’s own needs, thus indulging in escapism for a short while.

John prepares to scale the northern face of the garden wall.

If you go down to the woods today you’re sure of a big surprise.

Are you certain this map is the right way up?

Time then, to assess the day and its benefits, to ask questions about the role of PCC members within our church society, to consider the strengthened relationships of those taking part and to agree unanimously that the day had been absolutely worthwhile.

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Thoughts from the day of what belonging to the PCC might mean:

The day ended as it began – cups of tea plus a huge slice of newly-baked Swiss roll. We British know where our priorities lie!

VB.

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