Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday 9 August 2011

Sixty not out


Today has been my sixtieth birthday, which I am fortunate enough to be able to celebrate with friends in a series of lunches and dinners which are amounting to an octave, or indeed rather more than that. I am extremely grateful for their friendship and generosity, and it is always good to meet up with them and share thoughts and ideas, and, happily, humour.

I am tempted to say that I do not feel sixty, but then, as I have never been sixty before, I obviously don't know what it is to be sixty...

It has been a day to give thanks to God for my parents and all that has contributed positively to making me what I am, and seeking guidance as to what else I am called to do. Certainly the last twenty years have brought possibilities and rewards, friendships and experiences way beyond anything I could have imagined when I was forty. I look forward to seeing what is in store.

4 comments:

Tito Edwards said...

Here's to wishing you another 60!

elena maria vidal said...

Happy Birthday!

AndrewWS said...

As I said to the Monsignor at mass on Saturday, I had never had the impression that you were that old. Ad multos annos!

Anonymous said...

Happy belated birthday - I was on holiday; just got back. Hope your party was amazing. Excellent cake!