Tales of a Country Parish: From the vicar of Savernake Forest

Description

Rural priest, Colin Heber-Percy, began writing an early-morning newsletter - a collection of daily reflections, stories and prayers - to stay in touch with his parishioners and comfort those on their own during the unprecedented circumstances of Spring 2020. Word spread, and soon his uplifting bulletins were being eagerly consumed by readers around the country and beyond. In these wise, kind and surprising contemplations, Heber-Percy draws upon a kaleidoscopic knowledge of art, nature, music and metaphysical poetry, as well as religious texts, and interlaces them with amusing and touching vignettes from his Wiltshire parish. He meanders from the many breakdowns of his rusty Ibiza, to the dramas of the village carnival and the joys and agonies of leading worship on Zoom with one parishioner regularly reading the gospel accompanied by her noisy budgie on her shoulder. As he follows the changing seasons, Heber-Percy moves from the seemingly small and mundane to ponder big life questions - can you find heaven in a Londis shop, why the Bible is not the Highway Code, what on earth we are all doing here - while gently offering up wisdom and sustenance for all, regardless of faith and creed.

Rev Dr Colin Heber Percy is the parish priest for Pewsey, Wiltshire, as well as a screenwriter and author. His screenwriting work has won many awards and been shown all over the world. He has a PhD in medieval metaphysics and has lectured on spirituality, faith, film, and fiction. He lives in Wiltshire with his wife and three children.

'A delightful book from a gentle, generous spirit.' * SIMON RUSSELL BEALE * 'Philosophical speculation, country lore, rock music, spiritual exploration, erudite and beautifully written, this collection of reflections and meditations is a surprise and a delight. The kind of shot in the arm the Church of England badly needs - and is so rarely to be found.' * SALLEY VICKERS * 'Priests can make excellent chroniclers, having privileged access as they do to the minds and lives of others... Tales of a Country Parish is in this brave tradition. Immensely knowledgeable and curious, Colin Heber-Percy wears his deep learning lightly and his reflections are moving, compelling and insightful.' * Peter J. Conradi, author of Iris Murdoch: A Life, At the Bright Hem of God, Going Buddhist. * 'This hymn to a holy land has a Wordsworthian appreciation of nature and is full of humanity and wisdom.' * Sarah Sands, journalist and author of 'The Interior Silence' * 'Self-willed, eccentric, intimate... this book takes you into the mind of a man of intellect, deep tenderness, and above all, a passionate, life-sustaining Christian faith.' * Madeleine Bunting, journalist and author * 'A luminous, lyrical book, brimming with soul and the spirit of place.' * Bishop Andrew Rumsey, author of 'English Grounds' * 'Colin Heber-Percy's prose is flowing and he writes amusingly, perceptively and beautifully, especially about the countryside and human frailty.' -- Kate Green * Country Life * 'Best kept on the bedside table for a nightly dose of inspiration. But beware lest these apparently beguiling writings provoke you to sleeplessness.' -- Ysenda Maxtone Graham * The Oldie * 'Insightful... at times immensely funny... well larded, and serves as a reminder of the importance of a good parish priest.' -- Robert Leigh-Pemberton * Telegraph * 'An immersive experience of rural life... A book which shines with a sense of exploration and generosity towards others, drawing sustenance from myriad sources while remaining firmly in touch with chalk-encrusted feet searching lost downland tracks.' -- Richard Greatrex * Church Times *