Birthday Surprises for the Rector

While I didn’t keep it a secret over the weekend, I celebrated my 50th birthday on Friday 3rd January. I had a lovely weekend with my family, but I thought I’d finished the celebrations when I arrived at church this morning for Holy Communion.

Immediately following the service, David Atwell announced my birthday to the congregation, and invited them to spend a few minutes afterwards continuing our fellowship over tea, coffee and birthday cake!

I’d like to thank Nuala Atwell, Eric and Myrtle Graydon (of Graydon’s bakery - other bakeries are available, of course), and my dear wife Kim (who it appears is excellent at keeping secrets) for supplying the cakes and teas, and for all the rest of the congregation for coming along to help celebrate my “special” occasion after the service.

Incidentally, the decoration on the cake is a reflection of my love of reptiles. I don’t have a crocodile as yet - but plenty of smaller reptiles that look a lot like them! I don’t think Aghavea Rectory will ever have it’s own crocodile invested moat - but you never know!!

I didn’t expect to receive such a lovely gift and surprise, and would like to thank everyone involved!

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