Knickerboker Glory

Photograph courtesy of Georgina Goulding 

Autumn Fashions 06

Bawneen (Báinín) and tartan are all the rage for Autumn this year. It is obligatory to wear head cover, preferably in similar material and colour to the main outfit. A robust and cheerful countenance will be a la mode for those chill autumn days here in , you guessed it, Killarney. Paris papers please copy.

New Ideas

I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.~John Cage

Uncle Gil's Funeral in Kent

Uncle Gil, the second Viscount of Brenchley, was 'laid to rest' at Brenchley church in the heart of Kent. The village is a picture postcard one of Olde England, beautifully maintained half- timbered houses, oasthouses, barns and manicured gardens overflowing with roses. The Moncktons have a strong representation here in the churchyard. Our grandfather the first Lord Monckton lies there with his wife as do two Monckton vicars of the church from centuries before. Gilbert was a huge afficianado of Kent and all things Kentish . He was also a devout Catholic having changed his religion in Taormina half a century ago (the site of our honeymoon). May he rest in Peace. May all his relatives find solace for the bereaved too.

The service was a blend of both mainstream Christian traditions, Catholic and Protestant and for me the highlight was the singing of our cousin Johnnie Monckton; restrained, heartfelt, sensitive and deeply spiritual. It was a call to be without anxiety and trouble; I will have to find out the name of the 'aria'.