Rev Peter O'Connell
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littleocky.bsky.social
Rev Peter O'Connell
@littleocky.bsky.social
Rector of three churches in Surrey in southern England, and occasional hymn writer.
We marked VJ Day today at the war memorial. One lady asked me to read a poem written by her father, who was an officer in the Indian Army and a POW. It was found in his diary.
August 15, 2025 at 11:13 AM
The news from LA made me think of this song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=17GC...
Rubber Bullets
YouTube video by 10cc - Topic
www.youtube.com
June 10, 2025 at 9:28 AM
I saw this sign outside a school.

Given the age of the children at the school it should be no surprise they drive slowly - I am more surprised that they can reach the pedals!
June 10, 2025 at 9:19 AM
From the gravestone of Captain McAngus:
"Man's inhumanity to man makes many thousands mourn."

He died on 7 June 1944 on one of the Normandy beaches.
June 6, 2025 at 11:12 AM
In Hermanville-sur-Mer I found a gravestone that uses the French revolutionary calendar. The first I have ever seen! He was born on 25 Floreal in the year V.
June 4, 2025 at 11:27 AM
A lovely reaction to the election of the new Pope:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Oh my God, it's Rob! - Pope's brother's speaks of joy
Pope Leo XIV's brother Louis says nothing will be the same again after his appointment.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 9, 2025 at 2:32 PM
If you have ever felt the need to buy both a vinyl record and a tortoise then I have found the shop you need.
February 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM
It is snowing here at the monastery. I am glad I am on retreat and don’t have to go anywhere today!
January 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
East Grinstead has a lovely independent bookshop- both new and secondhand. You can also play chess there if that is your thing!
January 5, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Jimmy Carter hoped to outlive the Guinea worm - he helped reduce the worm from 3.5m cases a year to just 14.

www.cartercenter.org/health/guine...
Guinea Worm Eradication Program
www.cartercenter.org
December 30, 2024 at 7:51 PM
Join me in planting trees for free on Treeapp: thetreeapp.org/referral?cod...

I am now responsible for 1594 trees being planted!
December 23, 2024 at 11:26 AM
Reposted by Rev Peter O'Connell
Our carol service featuring three local schools will be on the radio at 5pm!

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...
BBC Local Radio - Carol Service, Recorded at St Nicholas Church in Godstone (12/2024)
A celebration of Christmas with our carol service at St Nicholas Church in Godstone.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 22, 2024 at 3:40 PM
I have decided to divide my profile!

This profile will be used for my general ramblings on the world.

My hymnwriting will go on @oldtunesnewwords.bsky.social

I am hoping to get a new recording of a Christmas carol to go there tomorrow!
December 17, 2024 at 9:54 AM
MAGA is not the only manifestation of Christianity in the USA. Here AOC expresses a very different vision.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upa2...
#Jesus #Bible #Christianity
AOC Flips the Religious Freedom Argument on Its Head | NowThis
YouTube video by NowThis Impact
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2024 at 9:51 AM
Clear proof that Kemi Badenoch and Hobbes are not on the same wavelength.
December 13, 2024 at 8:45 AM
So here in the UK we eat more ultra-processed food than anywhere in the rest fo Europe. What are the health implications? Is this the cause of the obesity crisis? What do you think?
December 3, 2024 at 9:34 AM
We have dusted this carol off this year.

It will be recorded for radio on Saturday, and has an additional verse when compared with this 2016 recording!

youtu.be/Pxzt9KG81xI
Skye Boat Carol
YouTube video by Godstone United Benefice
youtu.be
December 2, 2024 at 10:58 AM
Reposted by Rev Peter O'Connell
Word of the day is a favourite, from old Scots.

To ‘tartle’ is to hesitate while introducing someone because you have completely forgotten their name.
December 1, 2024 at 10:12 AM
Reposted by Rev Peter O'Connell
On Saturday 7th December at 4.30pm we will be hosting our local BBC radio presenters for a carol service. This will includes choirs from Godstone School, St Stephen's School, and Oxted School. We will also be hearing about the work of St Catherine's Hospice.
November 29, 2024 at 8:57 AM
A new hymn for Good Friday is close to completion - although it might seem like an odd time of year to writing for Holy Week!
November 28, 2024 at 8:13 AM
So we were heading home and stopped off in Titchfield hoping for a nice fresh cup of tea. At the end of Church Street we spotted "Under the Cherry Tree" which is bookshop and cafe.

The welcome was very good, as was the tea and the books.
November 20, 2024 at 10:28 AM