"CLACKMANNANSHIRE, the smallest Co. of Scotland, extending 10 miles N. and S. between the main body of Perthshire and the river Forth, and 11 miles E. and W. between the cos. of Stirling and Fife; area, 30,477 ac.; pop. 25,680, or 539 persons to each sq. m. The surface rises from the Forth by an easy ascent, broken by gentle undulations and by the valley of the river Devon, to the Ochil Hills, which extend along the N. border. These hills afford excellent pasturage; the low grounds are well cultivated. Coal is raised in the Devon valley; the towns of Alloa and Tillicoultry have woollen mfrs. The Co. comprises 4 pars., parts of 2 other pars. and also the police burghs of Alloa and Tillicoultry. Clackmannanshire unites with Kinross-shire in returning 1 member to Parliament."
[From Bartholemew's Gazetteer of the British Isles, 1887]
Time for our hymn.
Maker of earth, to Thee alone
Perpetual rest belongs;
And the bright choirs around Thy throne
May pour their endless songs.
But we - ah holy now no more!
Are doomed to toil and pain;
Yet exiles on an alien shore
May sing their country’s strain.
Father, whose promise binds Thee still
To heal the suppliant throng,
Grant us to mourn the deeds of ill
That banish us so long.
And, while we mourn, in faith to rest
Upon Thy love and care,
Till Thou restore us with the blest
The song of heaven to share.
O God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Holy Ghost,
To Thee be praise, great Three in One,
From Thy created host.
These gloves remind me of my days at All Saints' Margaret Street in the 1970's. One Sunday it was so cold that the organist (Dr Eric Arnold) complained to the Vicar (Fr David Sparrow) that he might have to wear gloves when playing the organ. As quick as a flash, David Sparrow replied 'well that will be an improvement on the mittens you usually wear!'
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