Visit to London--no pictures yet

Today was the "London Day", the day we have all been waiting for, the day that has caused endless speculation among the spouses about what to wear to Buckingham Palace. Sadly, I have no pictures to share right now because all our cameras were confiscated at the Palace and we won't get them back until tomorrow.

It was a warm sunny day--too hot to be wearing a cassock, but that was required dress. We left about 7:30 AM for our first stop, the march in downtown in support of the Millenium Development Goals. Our bus was almost late because we had a minor breakdown on the way into London. Part of the bus' bumper came off and was caught in the wheel, but after about a half hour on the side of the road, we were on our way again.

The march was a bit disappointing. We had hundreds of bishops, but few spectators, even though we went through the heart of London. There were a few who clapped for us, but most looked at us with blank stares--who are these guys in purple dresses? Or with anger for holding up traffic.

We arrived at Lambeth Palace and walked the grounds for a while before hearing a stirring speech from the Prime Minister about world poverty. Then, in an ironic contrast, we were served a very elegant lunch in a huge tent set up on the grounds. I would have been happy with a sandwich and a donation to the MDG funds, but apparently there are many from third world countries who look forward to this lavish event.

It was then back in the bus to Buckingham Palace. Our buses drove right up to the main reception entrance, and we lined up to have our credential checked. We then walked through the ornate reception room out onto the lawn and gardens. The first hour was spent enjoying refreshments and admiring the gardens (remember there were 2000 people there!). Just before 4 PM, the Beefeaters cleared a path through the crowd, and right on schedule the Queen and Prince Philip appeared, she in a light spring dress (and of course hat and gloves) and he in Morning coat and top hat. Assistants pulled various people at random out of line for her or the Prince to meet. We did not get picked, but at one point were only about 8 feet away from her and had a fine view. Prince Philip stopped in front of us to ask where we were from. After about an hour of this, the Queen went in a tented area and had tea with a few select VIPS. At 5:30 it was back down the lawn and into the palace. We all left charmed but exhausted after many hours on our feet sweating through our cassocks.

So it was a day to tell our grandchildren about, but everyone is glad it over. Most everyone went to sleep on the bus on the the
2 hour trip home.

I will do my best to get some pictures up tomorrow, but I am also having some trouble with my computer (I am writing this on Laura's), so there may be a little delay.

Quote of the day--A member of the Church Commissions on spying a huge party had made out of white and black feathers on another young woman guest--"I thought killing swans was illegal in Oxfordshire."

Meeting Alert! Team huddle?

Guys I've now managed to meet up with Paul Feheley. I know not all can make it (Pierre is busy avec ses francophones — sorry) but Paul can be available for us on Saturday at 1600 hrs in Darwin, 2nd Floor, the room next to the media office. If anyone can make it, we could just compare notes on how we feel it's been blogging this conference, plus ideas. I've asked for it to go on the public screens, so if anyone else wants to get going with a blog to communicate with their diocese, we could sort out times to get them up and running (I find it takes about quarter of an hour with someone who's never done it before)...

Any takers?

Some press for our blog site?

This is great. How do we get word out to others who might be interested? Do we want the general public to know about this or just our colleagues?

Meeting Sunday or Monday

We talked about the possibility of this... would you like me to arange it formally witht the comms. people, or shall we just agree to meet somewhere?

How to post...

Thanks, David for climbing aboard. I think that as soon as you get emal confirmation of posting privileges having been confirmed, you simply sign in using your normal google account, and it will let you post, like you just did.

If anyone else would like posting privileges, please let me know.

As for the rabbits...

G'day

Alan

Thanks. I've climbed inside now.

The rabbits around here seem busy?

David

Episcopal Bloggers of the world unite!

You have nothing to lose but your brains!

In the name of the Rabbits that populate this glorious campus, the Bishop of Buckingham invites you to a community within which bishops and friends can share strange addictions, develop good practice, and work out Mighty Meaty Protocols.

If you are a bishop, or Dave, or Scott, and would like to be able to post to this blog, please email me (bishopbucks@oxford.anglican.org) and I will set you up to do so.

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