The Villlage Square

When Paul was young he liked to explore the countryside with his backpack and   a picnic by getting on a bus or a train, seeing where it would take him then getting off, walking around for a bit, trying to find another way home and then going back into London.This normally involved little more than making a packed lunch, filling up his backpack, picking a bus or train at random and looking out of the window until it seemed interesting, getting off, looking to see if there was any local information which there often wasn’t and then doing his thing.One day he was on a bus somewhere in Essex and it had begun to look nice with woods, rivers and villages. Eventually he got off at a village that seemed to be called little Bransworth which meant nothing to him but it did have the right attributes of a pond with ducks,a pub and an interesting looking church which is where he started.Inside he guessed that it was probably originally 13^th century and then updated or ruined by the Victorians Paul sat down near the alter as was his wont with old churches. It wasn’t long before the vicar or another clergyman came up to him, sat down and

“Can I help you my son?”

“No thank you father.” replied Paul. “Although if you know if this building is originally 13^th century that would be great.”

“That’s correct.”said the vicar.”and if you come with me we can talk more about that and why this holy place is important for everyone, including you.”

“No thanks.”said Paul.  “I am an atheist and intend to remain so.”

“Maybe I can tempt you over the road to the Lamb’s Head.” Said the vicar.

“That sounds better.” Said Paul “Although maybe you should not be seen there by your parishioners.”

“Good point.” Said the vicar. “but Bertie, the landlord knows me well and will make sure that there is a seat in the snug at the back beyond prying eyes.”

“Let’s give it a go.” said Paul never believing that he would have met someone so interesting.

“Once inside the landlord said to them.”Usual place your reverence and the normal to drink?”

“Yes Bertie.”was the answer. “and for you my best new friend.” He said, turning towards Paul.

“Just a half pint of the best local ale thanks.”

“So another half please Bertie.”

“I’ll bring them through to the snug.” said Bertie.

The beer turned out to be to Paul’s taste, although a bit strong for a lunch time.

They finished their drinks quite quickly at which point Paul said

“ another of the same?”said Paul.” and what should I call you?”

“Frank is fine. As that is my name. Another beer would be lovely” was the reply.

“and I am Paul. Do they do a weaker, drinkable beer here?”

“The IPA is fine.”

“So Paul went back to the bar and asked Bertie for a pint of Franks and a half of IPA for the snug which he was promised would be brought through.

They left the pub a bit later and Frank said to Paul

“please don’t make that your religion as I know that you can do much better than that.”

“I like beer or two but I am careful about the stuff that you drink.”

“Come back and see me some time if you change your mind.” said Frank.

“Is that about strong beer or Christianity?” asked Paul.

“Either.” Was the response.