From The Editor Page 2 Vicar’s Viewpoint

Vicar’s Viewpoint

I was stopped and asked for my licence the other day. It was my day off and my wife and I were just about to embark on a day out, having dropped off the kids at school. We were stationary at the time, but the officer came across from his vehicle and, after a few pleasantries about the weather and our journey, asked to see my licence.

Thankfully, I had it to hand and he was very happy to see that I had it clearly displayed on the canoe: because we were about to paddle on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, for which you need a licence.

The officer made clear what I had heard in various other places recently, namely that lots of people don’t yet know that you need a licence to paddle, sail or motor (or indeed float) on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. The officer was clearing the duckweed from the waterway and the fees from the licence pay for that maintenance and more besides.

The locks need a lot of looking after too, and the banks need substantial shoring and protecting in places as well.

The contrasting needs of those who use the waterway and the flora and fauna that live on the waterway has required more attention in these past 18 months, as more visitors have discovered the beauty of this place we call home.

Having the Navigation run through all three of my parishes is a real treat, but watching the seasons turn whilst on the water, is an especial treat. It is a reminder that the Bible talks in plenty of places about the beauty of nature showing us something of God’s glory - but also that this world needs us to look after it.

Too much needs doing to protect and restore the natural world around us, for it to be left to just those who find that it is their paid responsibility. I have been struck, as I cycle to various visits and services, by the number of people out collecting rubbish from verges and public parks in and around Heybridge and Maldon.

My children have taken to shouting ‘Thank you!’ as loudly as they can when they cycle past such volunteers - their competitive spirit knows no limit. Perhaps shouting is a bit much, but we can all say thank you to those we encounter who are caring for the natural world.

Whether you hold to a faith or not, we only have these places on loan. May we allow our children to be able to renew that loan in their turn.

Reverend Asa Humphreys Priest-in-Charge United Benefice of Heybridge with Langford and Maldon All Saints with St Peter's Chelmsford Diocese praybridge.org