Sunday, August 08, 2010


.... here I am minding my own business, and getting ready to launch my new book tomorrow, and I receive an eMail from someone unknown.

It is a sprinkle of stardust on a welcome soul.

I asked Richard if I could share it and he said YES - hey hey::

The main reason for e-mailing is to say thanks for all the work you have done, and continue to do through Greenbelt (and now the blog). In 1987 I was about to leave home for University, and was quite anxious about this big life change. A friend invited me along to Greenbelt for the first time, at Castle Ashby with a church group, and it was a really significant weekend for me.
I remember clearly spending time in the Rolling Magazine, and the Stinking Late Show, and I think over that weekend my experience of the Christian faith changed, and that in some way I was prepared for moving away from home.
I think your words, actions, and the whole ethos of the festival altered my approach to life, and made me realise how the Christian faith could influence all of your life.


So over the last 20+ years I have been back to Greenbelt many times, and always been challenged, stretched, and refuelled.
It feels like coming home.
Back when I started going along I would not have expected that as a 42 year old with 2 young children I would still be gaining so much from this festival. I have clear memories of the first festival at Cheltenham, when there was hardly anyone there, and thinking this is it, it's all over, no more Greenbelt.
I am really grateful to all the trustees and workers who took so many risks to give the festival a chance to survive and grow again.
My wife, children and I now all go along together to Cheltenham, and have had many special times there.
Thank you Richard - we must have a peppermint tea in London, or Greenbelt, if we can collide one day?