Bishop Butler’s Pilgrims Revisit The Scene Of The Crime
IT’S not only Cliff Richard who can blend wine and Christmas into a hit combination.
Christmas time, mistletoe and wine
Children singing Christian rhyme
With logs on the fire and gifts on the tree
A time for rejoicing in all that we see.
Rhyme and wine in harmony, like two hands clasped together in prayer.
Last season, the Bishop of Southwark, Tom Butler, found that spirits moved him to the back of a Mercedes car.
The vehicle, belonging to parishoners unknown to him, held toys which Bishop Butler began throwing from it in the style of a carefree Father Christmas, in mauve.
The car’s owner, one Paul Sumpter, confronted the Bishop who offered the ecumenical explanation: “I’m The Bishop of Southwark. It’s what I do.”
It is then “claimed” the Bishop left the car and fell to the pavement.
Said Mr Butler on BBC Radio: “My mobile phone hasn’t turned up, my injuries were compatible with being mugged.” Mr Butler lost not only his phone, but also his crucifix, briefcase and memory.
Mr Sumpter noted: “I know steaming drunk when I see it and he was steaming.” The muggers were never found.
Now in honour of that journey by car, train, bus and pavement, a group of pilgrims are planning to retread the Bishop’s route by way of a pilgrimage.
The journey will begin at a pub near Park Lane, close to the Irish embassy where Pishop Butler was entertained, and then move to Hyde Park Tube station, on to Crucifix Lane and then for a hearty worship at The Suchard Bar.
Those still able to walk will make their way to Tooting Bec, to a pub in Streatham where they will be invited to consume homemade fudge.
It is not thought that Pishop Puddler will accompany the followers. Although if it helps him find the muggers, he just might…
Posted: 20th, November 2007 | In: Broadsheets Comments (3) | TrackBack | Permalink
