I (Mary) started compiling this edition of the Chronicle quite early in December, but (as happens so often these days) time ran away with me and here we are, ever so close to beginning a New Year and I am having to start again! Sorry!

We are grateful to be able to report that we are all pretty well, in work (mine is domestic and church and therefore not paid, of course!!), with roofs over our heads, food on the table and the means to get around and to keep warm, especially now that winter is here.

Though the girls live and work in London, they return to Wokingham regularly, sometimes spending a few days and working from home here, sometimes for flying visits to catch up with us and with local friends and driving back to London on Sunday nights. Terence, Chris and I met them at Kew Gardens for an orchid exhibition in February, but they mostly come to us in Wokingham. Keeping up their Parkrun targets offers opportunities now and then for short breaks to other lands - Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland and Belfast come to mind! Work took Liz briefly to Brazil in August, with more international travel looking likely in 2024!

In September all five of us flew to Shannon (Republic of Ireland) where Jen hired a car. We stayed in two different places and visited, among others, Skreen, Glencar Waterfall, Achill Island (parkrun and sightseeing), Carrowmore, Sligo, Benbulben, Rosserk Abbey, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. A really lovely trip -- Terence has provided some photos!.

Terence and I (sometimes with Chris) have been a little more adventurous in 2023 than in some years, in that we spent a long weekend in Portsmouth (to see the Historic Dockyard, Southsea, etc) for our anniversary in April and then returned by train in November with Christopher for a day visit. We have also visited Bletchley Park and the National Museum of Computing, as well as the Musical Museum in London, with its amazing Mighty Wurlitzer.

Chris continues to work two days a week at Waitrose (with some overtime now and then). In between he is as keen as ever on his Pokémon, Assassins' Creed … and other video games

Terence is still happily working for The Access Group, entirely from home this whole year. Outside of work he spends many hours reading, some playing his guitar, a few trying to keep my brain working with crossword puzzles … plus the inevitable chores! Through Facebook and WhatsApp he maintains contact with various friends dating back many years, and even spent a weekend in Bristol for a reunion to mark 54 years since a bunch of them left Pinelands High!

2023 has been filled for me with the planning and organising of a weekend Parish Retreat and two Quiet days, taking communion to individuals at home as well as in a nearby care home, supporting and enjoying the fellowship of a gentle walking group, and various other church activities - sacristan duties, maintaining rotas, verging for funerals and weddings … and pretty much anything else I am asked to do! For exercise I also walk at Parkrun (but rather irregularly). Sadly, I am not very good at keeping in touch with my friends; that is something I really want to improve on in the months ahead. Bear with me!

Finally, a lovely Irish blessing for you in the year ahead: