Witnessing the measure of commitment . . .

Part of our Public Affairs responsibility is helping to bring people to the understanding that we are followers of Jesus Christ. The London Temple Visitor Centre along with the Hyde Park Visitor's Centre have the Christus by Danish sculptor Thorvadsen in their lobbies to remind all of our commitment to the Savior. We are impressed with the community outreach and spirit of Elder and Sister Pinegar of the Visitor Centre. Elder Pinegar was a Professor at BYU Marriott Business School prior to their mission. Sister Pinegar has equally as deep intellectual roots being a daughter of Elder Bruce R. McConkie.

Elder and Sister Pinegar with Sister Madducks at the Visitor Centre

The temple grounds are magnificently maintained which make this sacred spot truly a 

peaceful sanctuary from the cares of the world.

Gadfield Elm is the first chapel owned by the Church as it was given to Wilford Woodruff by the United Brethren when 600 of their members were baptised (English spelling) in the Malvern hills during 1840. See if you can unlock the door to get into the little chapel by answering the quiz that allows access?

Now that you've answered the quiz, let's see if you unlocked the door.   

Sister Jones at Gadfield Elm where we celebrated the 24th of July with Elder Jay and Sister Joan Peck and Elder Reese and Sister Kathryn Hansen (Office of General Counsel) who drove hours from Chorley to join us at this historic site. The Pecks are friends and neighbors from Farmington while the Hansens are new-found friends from Provo with whom we have several family and personal connections.

The inspirational Joan and Jay Peck... marvelous role-models of service, faith, and humor!

Kathryn and Reese Hansen have the calm, thoughtful demeanors reflecting their depth. Elder Hansen is the former Dean of the BYU Law School and Sister Hansen is a sister to Ann Smedley Hansen, a dear family friend.

On Saturday, the 19th of July, the Birmingham Stake celebrated the summer with a Barbecue hosted at the Harborne Ward / Stake Centre. The day was gloomy as we experienced a downpour... Debating between traveling all the way across Birmingham (the second largest city in the UK) and staying home, we exercised our faith and started out in the rain. Just as we arrived, the welcome sun burst out from behind the clouds and bathed us for the entire event. The jump houses for the children were set up in the cultural hall as a safety measure, but everyone soon began to vacate the church for the parking lot, green spaces, and warmth.

Elder Hess (on the far left) is the grandson of Patriarch and Sister Hess of Farmington.

Elder Alldredge (far right from Kaysville) is a cousin to friends of Sister Jones's from Bountiful, the Horgesheimers of Mueller Park Jr. High School.

With a free Saturday morning and the welcome sun out, we purchased our English Heritage passes and ventured to historic Kenilworth Castle. Just a short drive from Solihull where we live we saw jousting, birds of prey show, toured the ruins, walked in the gardens and ate delicious 'real' ice cream all while basking in the sunshine. The reason we note this rare treat of 'real' ice cream is that it was creamy, flavorful, hard and just like home! With the beauty and heritage of this land, it is a delight to partake of the cultural offerings.

We suspect Rachel, Madeleine and London would love the horses while Jackson and little Carter 

would love the Knights!

Kenilworth was finally conquered (and subsequently destroyed) by Cromwell. In addition, Queen Elisabeth I enjoyed time spent here. History comes to life as we see where great events have taken place.