The year is 1947 and the Blackburn Ragged School produced its annual report of the year’s work and activities. I was demobbed from the Royal Navy in that year and took an active part in the activities of the School, not least in the Youth Club, Sea Scouts, Orchestra, and occasionally helping to lead services of worship.

I still have a copy of that report and note it is entitled ‘OPPORTUNITIES’. It includes a brief survey of the beginnings of BRS with its work among children and adults; the founding of the Wilpshire Orphanage; and concludes, “So throughout the years, as opportunities presented themselves, they were quickly grasped, until the school became the great Christian community it is today.”

Those of us who remember seventy years ago and today read the encouraging reports of 2017 in the present day church magazine, will know the work and ministry carry on through grasping the opportunities of today.

A history of a church where I served some years ago has the title, ‘The Onflowing Stream.’ Such a title could be used today for Kingsway URC. Long may it flow!

– Raymond Royston-Bishop.