December 1st, the day we are invited to remember the scourge that is HIV/AIDS.

With no cure, and with lots of new cases emerging worldwide all the time, this is one of the big killers in some of the world's poorest and most vulnerbale communities.  Whatever the transmission route, be it breast milk, be it shared needles, be it unsafe sex, there are real human stories behind the data, and plenty of innocent victims of other people's choices.

According to the AVERT website there are around 100,000 people in the UK living with HIV/AIDS - that's one heck of a lot of families... makes you think.

Off shortly to the pub to sup coffee, as one does.  Well our coffee club does anyway.  It is interesting to see how a crowd attracts a crowd... when we began supping coffee the pub was usually empty, now there are loads of other people.

Next week a couple of dozen folk will be sharing a pre-Christmas lunch, time to enjoy good company and good food in convivial surroundings, alleviating isolation and loneliness.

The week after (snow loading on 'doomed roof' permitting) we will be meeting at church for 'carols and a cuppa' and hoping a few other folk will take part too.

As the year draws to its close it is good to look back at the good this group has achieved, people sharing and caring, and now bringing light into the dullness of winter days.

There are some who feel this is not 'kosher' as we don't have a 'message' or pray overtly or sing hymns.  This doesn't worry me because I can see the good it achieves, and the needs it meets.  Anyway, I reckon JC would enjoy the odd not-so-good latte in the pub and a good laugh with friends.

All good stuff.