The blognic at the Buckingham Arms this evening was a great success. Bloggers Holy Smoke, Bara Brith and Mulier Fortis came, as did Anna Arco of the Catholic Herald. Frs Nigel Griffin and William Young kindly took time to join us as did a good number of readers, some of whom travelled specially for the occasion from Brighton, Cambridge and the outer reaches of the London conurbation. (My new phone takes great photos outdoors but in poor light it is of little use so I have shamelessly stolen photos from Fr Z who brought a real camera with him.) Sir Dan of the Nesbitry (above) was there. He met up with Damian Thompson whom he taught many years ago at the prep school Laelham Lea in Purley.
Jonathan Hague (above) introduced me to the Buckingham Arms from his extensive knowledge of good pubs that offer traditional hospitality and real ale.Over a plate of pasta afterwards, Fr Z and I reflected on the appreciation that is expressed by people who read our blogs. Writing a blog can be a rather solipsistic business and it is surprising but very welcome to be told "your blog is a lifeline" by ordinary Catholic lay people who love the Church. When people say this sort of thing to me, it always encourages me to think that the blog is worth writing.
At one point, a young Malaysian man appeared with a box which he announced was from Andrew Khoo of the Unam Sanctam blog, sent all the way from Tanjung Bunga, in Penang, Malaysia. The box contained a beautiful standing crucifix with detachable base. We all agreed that this would help to maintain the "Benedictine Altar Arrangement" even while travelling.
I was left wondering "How did he manage that?" There was only a day's notice on my blog - or two day's notice if you read the post on Fr Z.Hilary of Orwell's Picnic took me to task over the short notice for this blognic - and indeed justly. Next time we must organise something with a Hall where people can move around easily, an internet connection where we can have skype calls with video - perhaps even live streaming via Fr Z's host company Joyent. I think a major London blognic would work.
8 comments:
Didn't you notice that the pub had free wi-fi?
:-)
"a rather solipsistic busines" - I usually enjoy reading your blog as you explain most things in simple layman's terms; I'm lost with this one, though!
That's OK father. I'm sure you wouldn't want to be seen with me that close to Westminster.
I am, after all, a notoriously wicked person. A Trad, and a racist.
Dreadful.
Dear Fr. Finigan, I'm very glad that you've received that small token of my esteem for the great work you've been doing for God and for His Church. I'm very encouraged by your online work as well.
I really do hope that you would find it useful, especially in your travels.
As to the mystery of how it was done, a magician never reveals his tricks =)
But seriously, when my friend left for the UK, I had him bring some things over, hoping to have him make the trip to Blackfen. He has no idea where it is. But when the blognic was announced, so close to where he lives, I asked him to make use of this great opportunity (and save him a trip!)
Thank you again, Father, for the excellent work you're doing.
Looks like a great event. Sorry I couldn't be there. Something on a bigger scale and events more often (even in other locations across the country as well) would be fantastic.
What about us Brummies???
Andrew - many thanks indeed.
Dolly - solipsism is the idea that nothing exists except what is in my own mind.
Marsden/Jackie - this event certainly makes me realise that there would be interest in a more "planned" event. And yes, out to the "regions" too :-)
Oh well clearly we'll have to get a Dutch contingent over to the next one then....
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