The following comments are a brief reflection concerning my reflections a few days ago concerning parking. The issue of parking was just an occasion to pontificate on the interplay of the mystical and transcendent with the mundane and practical. Today’s words only concern the practical: parking

Parking is a problem at the church. During Sunday mornings parking is available at Donhead and Wimbledon College. Please take full advantage of this courtesy these schools provide us. It would be considerate if those who are more mobile to automatically go to those places to leave those with mobility issues able to park on Church grounds. I can only encourage parishioners to follow the local parking restrictions. Recently, someone mentioned to me: ‘It seems ironic that one would be inconsiderate to a neighbour, as one is rushing to attend mass’. I also heard this past Sunday that someone parked in front of the gates going to Wimbledon College. Various College trips for the half term week were leaving at that time, completely inconveniencing the College personnel.

It reminds us that, despite difficulty and stress, we always need to remember that restrictions are present for a reason and not merely to inconvenience us. I am very pleased that we have many people coming to worship in the church, but please accept the physical reality around the church.