BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Donuel
Date: 11 Dec 20 - 02:12 PM

You'd be surprised what they bless for a donation. My condoms for example.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 11 Dec 20 - 05:40 AM

Wrong country SRS. Lincolnshire is in the middle of England, 200 miles south of anywhere shown on that map.

DC

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Dec 20 - 12:19 PM

Photo of a map from Facebook.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 03:28 PM

Not in this part of Lincolnshire they don't, if experience this snowfall is owt to go by. They just leave the grit in the yard (it's expensive stuff, that theer grit!) or take it to Lincoln to clear streets for non-existent Christmas Markets. Not an ounce spread on our streets. (Grumble, grumble, swear, mumble.......)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Sooz
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 12:16 PM

Here in Lincolnshire they use a mixture of brine and sand.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: olddude
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 11:07 AM

What is "grit?" is it road salt or ice melt as we have here

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Sooz
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 10:19 AM

The grit they use doesn't work at all below -15C and the efficiency is reduced on a scale starting at about -5C I think.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 06:25 AM

Never thought of that, GS! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 06:19 AM

Ahhh so he hasn't been able to Bless them yet... that explains why the roads and footpaths are treacherous eh??

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 06:15 AM

Well Gawd knows where they've been gritting - certainly not in our area. Not a single grain of grit anywhere, and the roads are like ice-rinks. It was -15 degrees Celsius this morning.

There's a rumour going round that all our local guys and their grit were re-deployed to Lincoln when the snow came last week, to clear the streets for the Christmas Market (which was cancelled - duh!!). Result - footpaths too dangerous to walk on, even now, and pedestrians all over the roads.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: gnomad
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 05:19 AM

It looks like he was a bit too late He claims it has helped in the past, maybe if he does it now and there is another comparable snow incident it might be possible to measure the effect?

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 08:49 AM

LOL again!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 03:41 AM

Never mind they'll soon catch on.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 03:35 AM

And very good workers they are too.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 12:46 PM

Right on Alan! I clear snow with just 8" of Steamin' Willie.. Now that makes life work for me, as you say....

Anyway, Lincolnshire is not full of defeatist losers. It is full of Eastern European enterprise operatives....

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 03:34 AM

LOL!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 04:16 PM

Or it could be

Look! My Arsehole Oscillates!

As for you! You Strolling Boulevardier!

You should stop blaming the bishop. Its like Steamin Willie says - you should all just blame yourselves. You keep making excuses for your miserable failure. Zippy blokes like him get up off their butts and make life work for them.

If all those people who complained, had picked up a lump of snow and defrosted it - then the Bishop's blessing would have worked. Its just the bishops bad luck that his parishoners are are gang of defeatist losers - like some I could mention.

or it could be

lonely Men Advocate Onanism

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 02:43 PM

Where is Harry Potter when you need him.

Just been speaking to the secretary of the Market Rasen RPC Brass Band who lives in North Ormsby, Louth, and she is cut off and said that Binbrook is cut off with snow up to the top of the traffic poles.

I thought it was bad enough in Market Rasen.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 01:55 PM

Lubricate your own, Al! :-)
BTW, The Bish must have used the wrong Form Of Blessing, or The Big Guy In The Penthouse is ignoring him - no grit been spread anywhere in our area.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 12:22 PM

"Lubricate My Anal Orifice!"

Will you excuse me if I pass on that one Al :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 11:58 AM

Thanks Arthur!

Lubricate My Anal Orifice!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 09:53 AM

LMAO = Laugh My Arse Off

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 08:42 AM

LMAO...?

Lick myself all over, Love Mao Tse Tung....?

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 08:22 AM

LMAO Al and Steaning Willie

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 07:24 AM

Well say what you like ... I think sprinkling grit over the ten foot drifts could easily work

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 04:52 AM

Steamin W -

The best friend I ever had has run off with my wife
And left me here alone to face the changes in my life
The best friend I ever had has changed my life some how
I never liked him much before, but Lord I love him now.

?????

8 inches?

John

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 04:16 AM

If my Missus had eight inches in the night, I'd get breakfast in bed, I reckon.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 04:13 AM

Do you know, I think the Bishop had a vision and saw all the snow that was about to hit us and blessed the gritters as he knew they didn't stand a chance.

You have a long way to go to catch us up in Lincolnsire Valmai. Double your 8 inches and you might just about do it.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 03:45 AM

Are the blessed gritters of Lincolnshire doing better than the ones in neighbouring counties? Can we have some objective statistics, please?

Valmai (eight inches in Lewes last night)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 02:35 PM

Indeed :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 02:32 PM

Earlier this year, the Kent Messenger newspaper reported that the Archbishop of Canterbury joined the local Thanet Greek community on January 10th for their annual ceremony of prayer for the well-being of the life in the sea to ensure good fishing harvests. On the 12th January a huge number of dead velvet crabs were found washed up on the sea-shore near Margate.

It's hard to say whether this counts as a successful or unsuccessful blessing, but road users in Lincolnshire may not be reassured.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 02:11 PM

All God's gritters got a place in the choir.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 01:29 PM

Well we had no choice BBP, because nobody wants to let Market Rasen have a swimming pool or christmas decorations, even though we pay our taxes, like anybody else. :-)

Has the river outside your window frozen?

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 12:43 PM

LOL! I don't bother with counting my gold, I just count my guitars (and the months to retirement, when I'll be able to spend a lot more time playing them)!
And it was rather more than a couple of PF's Willie - a veritable horde of them from Scrooby (near Bawtry). It's those buggers we have to blame for America!
Cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 12:14 PM

I am sure you are right Backwoodsman. Me? I don't get my fix from any of the above, just from enjoying a nice beer, walking the dog and sitting in my ivory tower, counting my gold. You know, the simple things. In fact, go on then, as you expect it of me, I'll say it anyway. I like looking at a pretty garden and don't have to imagine fairies at the bottom of it in order to believe it is there.

Enjoyed my time on "the isle" and hope to pop across again some time soon. I might even try (diary willing) to turn up at The Mowbray. I remember Eric from South Yorkshire days and would like to see the old bugger again. My mate says it is a small crowd but makes people welcome. Can't say better than that.

Mind you, the isle, home of methodism, a couple of pilgrim fathers came from the area and the more devout arm of my own family used to live in either East or West Butterwick... if I came often enough, superstition might be in the water? Hope my mate doesn't add tambourine to his list of instruments played.....

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 11:28 AM

I see, so it wuz you that brought us the snow this afternoon, Arfur!

Thanks, maite!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 11:13 AM

"Drove back from Giansborough "

should be

"Drove back from Gainsborough "

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 10:55 AM

LOL

Drove back from Giansborough to Market Rasen this afternoon. The nearer we got to MR, the more it had snowed, but didn't see any gritter. Peoeple were driving very carefully on the A46 (10 to 20 miles an hour) with the snow settling on the road. Should be nice and icy tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 09:14 AM

now the man that puts the grit down is a gritter

and if was a glam rock fan and dressed like Slade and marc bolan, he might be classed as a glitter gritter

Furthermore, if he was comparatively good looking, you could call him a fitter, glitter, gritter.

And if he branched out into fried foods, perhaps he would make a fitter,glitter,gritter,fritter.

And if you threw this tasty snack in a cricket match and it was caught in the slips - maybe that would be a fitter, glitter, gritter, fritter, sitter.

I wondered if this had occurred to lots of other people or is the medication kicking in at last.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 10 - 12:46 PM

Well, I don't imagine I'm any happier than you, Willie, or anyone else for that matter. Just happy maybe for different reasons.

I guess we all need a comfort blanket from time to time. But I prefer my friend to influence my mind than rely on the crutches of nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, other mens' wives, other mens' men, money, feelings of self-importance, whatever.

Good job we're not all the same - it would be a boring old world if we were.

Enjoy the party. I'll check Ian out next time I'm at the Mowbray for Ep'th FC.

All the best now.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 27 Nov 10 - 12:27 PM

Fine by me mate.

B&Q still shuts when I need a screw on a Sunday though. People who smile too much still knock on my door assuming they are happier than me. You friend is still used as a tool in The House of Lords to influence laws that affect me.

At least we reach a point on our lives when Santa and the tooth fairy are exposed as a comfort blanket. You friend however stays with many adults, making them feel guilty and generally screwing up their minds.

So sorry if I treat him with disdain but he is far too convenient for too many people. He is useful as an off the shelf moral code, but he is a convenient control tool too, and that has always disturbed me.

But anyway, this is not about controlling the masses but blessing the gritter. Hopefully the blessing carries on tomorrow when I go home. Having a party tonight and a well deserved lay in tomorrow. Mind you, my mate's wife is a bell ringer so sleep may be shattered, albeit in a rather traditional way.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Nov 10 - 11:20 AM

Willie, my Friend is always with me, but I make sure he doesn't bother anyone who doesn't want to know him. Although he's made my life a much better place, I realise that not everyone wants to buddy up with him, and that's fine - each to their own. I only introduce him to those who express a desire to make his acquaintance, otherwise you'd never know he's there.

I believe in 'live and let live'. If people don't believe in the same things as me, no problem, I'm easy with that. Just so long as they don't use my beliefs as a stick to beat me with.

That's all I ask - I reckon that's a fair deal, don't you?

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 11:47 AM

Love to Backwoodsman.

Mind you, don't bring your imaginary friend unless he fancies paying his round. I don't want my pint pot blessing, just filling.

I will probably be in The Crown or the Wheatsheaf in Belton tonight with my good mate Ian Mather. Reading the Epworth permathread, he is starting to get to know the local folk scene since moving to the Isle earlier this year.

Suppose having me as a mate may harm his credibility with anybody who is either superstitious, a socialist or mebbe both? He keeps his cards to his chest on such matters so don't know if he will be impressed if he reads the BS section of Mudcat?

I also realise this may let the cat out of the bag as to who is behind this absurd Steamin' Willie alter ego. A pity 'cos some people actually get on with me, and some of them wear sandals and listen to Roy ruddy Bailey.....

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 11:37 AM

Well, I just came back from Lincoln Hospital and on the way home along the A46, a blessed gritter came trundling towards me, with the salt crap spewing everywhere. So I gave him my blessing, but the bugger still sprayed his salt crap all over me.

Last time I bless a gritter critter.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 10:01 AM

Sorry if it's been posted - I haven't read them all: "the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13)!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 09:53 AM

As I live only a few miles from The Isle of Axholme, SW, maybe we should meet in a pub (Epworth, Haxey?? Both are very close) and discuss my Invisible Friend over a pint? :-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 08:43 AM

Err.. will the Bishop distinguish between Lincolnshire and North lincolnshire?

I am visiting a mate for the weekend in the Isle of Axholme area and as much as I enjoy the local pub, I don't want to get snowed in.

If blessing my mate Ian's local gritters makes me feel ok about travelling, I might be accused of taking the piss out of backwoodsman's invisible friend though.

I can't see the harm in blessing gritters. I can't see the harm in standing up on Sunday and repeating fairy stories either.

Both are about as relevant, both as useful.

Bless him for doing so, all the same.....

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 04:43 AM

In Cathedral Close, the Bishop thinks
how blessed are the folks of Lincs
Because our roads have lots of grit
And all the fields, they stink of s--t

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 04:25 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 04:17 AM

Amen to that, Alan!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 07:50 PM

I used to be cynical like you Shimrod, however since my spiritual enlightenment, I have realised the truth of what Confucius says, all that gritters...

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 05:28 PM

"Theologically, does blessing an inanimate object such as a gritter (or the plough in former times) confer any change in its efficacy?"

Yes, of course it does! I don't have my car serviced any more - I just get the Vicar to pray for it and sprinkle some holy water on it!

Mind you, he charges a fortune for that holy water!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 11:50 AM

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 11:26 AM

Oh No! Its the strolling Condom......!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 11:22 AM

Eh!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 11:17 AM

Les, they don't either of us Strolling Johnny.....

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 10:55 AM

Be that the Reverand Alan (drown em in the bath) Whittle?

Get the donkey out :-)

Oy see that Lincoln City got a roight old bollokin last noight loik.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 10:35 AM

"will youm stop tekking the piss out of us brummies loik"

Yer know yer loik it, ar keed!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 10:28 AM

'but at least we stay within the bounds of civility '

bless you my children! You two may now use a condom!(in some cases)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 10:26 AM

LOL will youm stop tekking the piss out of us brummies loik :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 08:17 AM

That should have been "Yow'm bigger than me loike!" :-)

Yow can move when yow'm gorra moind to though! :-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 08:15 AM

Some people are retired and not so mobile as they would wish to be LOL :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 08:14 AM

"Well there we have to agree to disagree BWM. What's new :-)"

True enough Arthur, but at least we stay within the bounds of civility (unlike some on certain other threads!). And anyway, you're bigger than me! :-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 08:09 AM

I don't give a FF what he blesses. His time, he can bless what he likes. Makes not a jot of difference to me or, for that matter, anyone else. So I refuse to get steamed up about it - there are plenty of real issues to get steamed up about.

Some people have got way too much time on their hands, and far too little to occupy them. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 07:32 AM

On reflection, I think its a better use of ecumenical time than going round telling people 'its allright! You can use condoms now!'

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 07:24 AM

Lincolnshire winters are very cold - rumour has it that its the wind from the east (they used to say from the Urals - but the Russians got the blame for everything in those days!).

Perhaps the Bishop ought to bless the cavity wall insulators, and central heating engineers. I have no recollection of him ever blessing the coalmen - but I personally welcome a more pragmatic view of Christianity.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 07:15 AM

Well there we have to agree to disagree BWM. What's new :-)

The gritters do a great job, but unfortunately take some stick, when they get caught out, by lack of grit or wrong forecasting etc.

I would personally like to wish them well. I don't need a mouthpiece to do it for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 06:42 AM

"Well I guess the gritter's of Lincolnshire, do need good wishes and our support (I fail to se why a Bishop needs to do that)."

"gritters" it should be I think!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 06:36 AM

"Well I guess the gritter's of Lincolnshire, do need good wishes and our support (I fail to se why a Bishop needs to do that)."

Why shouldn't he?
Did he harm anyone or anything?
I fail to see why aetheists and agnostics need to keep taking the piss out of my 'Invisible Friend', but they seem to get a kick from it, so good luck to them - sticks and stones etc.
Live and Let Live.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 02:51 AM

Well I guess the gritter's of Lincolnshire, do need good wishes and our support (I fail to se why a Bishop needs to do that).
The Lincolnshire roads are notoriously very dangerous during the winter months . Our lives are in their hands.

Let's just hope they have enough grit this year.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 06:24 PM

gritter, by the way, not in the OED.

I suppose someone could bless the grits in Canada (defined as radicals, or liberals).

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 06:15 PM

I get a bit cynical about blessings at times, I suppose because there could be an air of superstition to them; but blessings do seem to satisfy some primal need. Georgiansilver's example of the blessing of a ship is a good example, and fishing communities often bless the entire fleet each year, asking for a good catch and protection from harm. Many cultures bless new homes, and some bring food for blessing before traditional feasts like Christmas and Easter. Mudcatters post "good thoughts" and birthday and celebrity obituary threads, which I suppose are a form of blessing. You could call it blessing, or you could call it well-wishing.
Can't see where it does much harm, although I think that people get carried away with it at times.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 05:17 PM

i think its a good idea. Recognition of good work in difficult circumstances done in the community.

the Lincolnshire towns that i grew up in have changed a lot in character since I was a boy and a young man. Even back then the churches were turning themselves into curators of ancient tradition (there are so many old and beautiful churches in Lincolnshire). That's the great temptation.

nice to hear of the church taking a compassionate interest in the parishioners struggles through the ice and snow.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 04:37 PM

God Bless this ship and all who sail in her!! The Queen or King being the 'Godhead' of this land of ours........
Inanimate objects have been blessed from time immemorial I guess.....

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 01:29 PM

Theologically, does blessing an inanimate object such as a gritter (or the plough in former times) confer any change in its efficacy? Does it bring 'good luck' or prevent accidents for example? I would've thought only people could be blessed by the clergy. I'm not being facetious, I'd really like to know the Church's ruling on this.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: JHW
Date: 23 Nov 10 - 01:27 PM

just got new car so hope the blessed gritters keep their distance

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 04:15 PM

Nice one Mike :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 04:08 PM

In Summer walking in the fields,
I always use my wit.
To save me stepping in that stuff,
That cows leave..you know.....s

On roads in Winter, snow and ice,
I like them not one bit.
And when I fall and break my leg,
I'll wish there had been grit.

The gritting lorry leaves its mark,
We put it to the test.
This year we all can feel quite safe,
By the Bishop it's been Blessed!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Mavis Enderby
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 02:31 PM

I hesitate to mention it, but Council Gritter is rhyming slang for something else completely...

But his blessing isn't much cop, given the state of my farmers

Pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 01:33 PM

Indeed, becuase his blessing has only seemed to encourage the 6 inches of snow we are supposed to be getting this week. :-)

Maybe he knew that and knew the gritters didn't stand a chance. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 22 Nov 10 - 10:07 AM

Happens every year Arthur - you'd think Bishop John would be better praying for his God not to send ice and snow in the first place!!
;-)

Dáithí

Subject: BS: Bishop to bless Lincolnshire's gritters
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 21 Nov 10 - 03:14 PM

Well I never. We must be saving lots of money in the backwoods.

That's all we need, is the blessing of the Bishop for all gritters.

I am genuinly gobsmacked and so grateful for this Bishop's prayers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-11805752

I'll get my brain washing hat.