Celebrations Galore

The past 15 months have been marked by major celebrations here in England.  We arrived in April of 2011 just in time for Prince Andrew and Katherine Middleton's marriage and all the hoopla involved with that.  We were encouraged (along with the missionaries in the MTC)to watch some of the wedding proceedings because this was a cultural event.  We enjoyed a special meal  at the Missionary Training Centre to celebrate the royal wedding.

In the summer of 2011 we noted the 400th anniversary of the translation of the King James Bible.  We are indebted to the many men who sacrificed greatly to bring this book of scripture forth.  As you can imagine there were celebrations throughout England since the translation took place mostly at Hampton Court in London.  We had an impressive outdoor concert and programme on the grounds near the Preston Temple that attracted not only Church members but many from our community.
April of 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  Because of its connections with the UK there were events throughout the countries of England, Ireland and Scotland.  We were able to visit the new museum in Southampton, England dedicated to preserve the memory of those whose lives were lost and to the heroes and heroines who faced this tragedy with courage and undaunted trust in God.
In June it was ongoing parties, picnics and pageantry surrounding Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.  Our Church unit hosted a day of games, music, booths and eating centered around the excitement of the Queen's 50th year of reign.  The Queen is well respected by most Englishmen and has definitely made herself a popular because of her defense of good causes.

Last month we also noted the 100th year since the Pendle Witch Trials which took place in our county of Lancashire.  Elder Hales and I have often driven through the area where the "so labeled witches" resided.  It's one of the loveliest spots with the quaint villages and windy roads flanked by fields of sheep and beautiful green, hilly countryside.  We had visited the Lancaster Castle prison where the "witches" were kept until hung or released in Lancaster Castle.  We had the opportunity to attend a re-enactment of the story based on reliable records.  This took place in nearby Hoghton Tower a holding area for some of the victims before their trial at Lancaster Castle.  This was a tragic time of history stirred by superstition and fueled by unrealistic fear.  As I now contemplate this it's interesting to note that it was just shortly after this that the first Mormon Missionaries landed in Liverpool, preached first in Preston and then moved onto Chatburn and Downham where they had phenomenal success in sharing the Gospel.  Downham and Chatburn were just a few miles from the Pendle area.
Last weekend we traveled to Preston's Avenham Park for the 175th anniversary of the first LDS missionaries preaching in England. It was in this park where the River Ribble flows through that the first baptisms took place.  We picnicked with some of the Loynes family (some dear friends and nearby neighbors) as we,along with about 1000 others, relaxed and listened to a 200 member choir, some speakers and joined in with congregational singing.  The following day, Sunday, our Church meeting followed the theme of "The Family".  This marked one of the most memorable weekends we had living in this great land of England.
The end of this month starts the Summer Olympics which all of you probably know more about than we do!  We will stay up North away from the excitement and crowds and hopefully hear the results of how our great athletes do.  We truly feel a desire to root for all nations as they compete in this physical events.  We've met so many missionaries from around the globe that have shown us the best in their people.  We are truly blest to be serving in this part of the Lord's vineyard and are indebted to those who have served as examples to us.
Cheerio for now,
Elder and Sister Hales
Walt and Maureen