A Sparrow’s view of a wonderful day.

Sunday 13th September, 2015
St Giles Church Rowley Regis

The distinguished guests have moved on.

The organ is silent, the trumpet and singers, the happy crowd has moved on to lay down in memory the record of a grand occasion. A Civic Service with The Worshipful Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Barbara Price, who looked radiant, and in this her year of Office will, we are sure fulfil every engagement and duty perfectly.

Since her election as councillor in June 2004, Councillor Price has served the people of Rowley well, the restored War Memorial, outside in the Churchyard owes much to her thoughtful care, and determination that the names of the Village fallen in WW1 should shine out once more.

And, now the Parish Church of St Giles, welcomed her as Mayor of the Borough, the Rowley Regis Mace preceded her with due ceremonial, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr Stewart Towe C.B.E. representing the Queen, the High Sheriff, visiting Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Chief Executive of SMBC, Aldermen, Councillors, consorts, British Legion Standard Bearers, 1st Rowley Scouts all present and standing to mark and witness Barbara’s Act of Dedication.

Now, a sparrow had no camera at hand to record history in the making, and a sparrow’s song could not compare with Misericordias Domini in aeternum the splendid, happy Anthem sung by St Giles Singers, but a sparrow hiding in her nest was very happy, to be there and secretly to play her part, watching as the new Mayor was presented with a bouquet by a young person representing St Michael’s School, a sparrow. silently offered up a prayer, that Rowley’s new Mayor, and all present may be blessed.

Now church is empty, just me, a church sparrow sitting in my nest reflecting on the events of a wonderful day. A church you know, is never empty, and the silence it knows is awesome. It is the silence of eternity, and in eternity an angel choir is singing.

“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever”