CHRISTMAS seems a long way away by now, and the next special day is Valentine’s Day.

It is well loved by manufacturers of gifts, florists, makers of confectionery, restaurants and romantic hotels as there is an expectation to give our loved ones at least a card and gift in honour of Valentine’s Day.

We tend to have a huge amount of pressure put upon us in this materialistic world, and it is very hard not to buy at least some of the valentine gifts on sale, for sometimes we fear upsetting our loved ones if we don’t.

Perhaps we should think more about the reason for this special day.

Valentine was a priest who married couples even though Roman law in his time prohibited it, for it was declared that no soldier could marry (for it was considered that romantic thoughts might take their minds off fighting the enemy.) But Valentine believed that love should be free to blossom and he secretly married the soldiers and their ladies, hence the idea of secretly sending Valentine cards.

I believe we shouldn’t be secretive about our love but should celebrate it.

This year will be the second in which we are offering a Valentine service for all couples who wish to renew their marriage vows with us at Brook Street Unitarian Chapel.

We invite all couples, regardless of where they married, to join us for a time of love and a time of laughter too, as all good relationships laugh and love together.

The event starts at 11am on Sunday, February 16, and everyone is welcome.

If you are interested in attending this service but wish to know more about it, please either ring 01565 754465 or email chattyminister jean@gmail.com.

Happy Valentine’s day to you all; if you have enjoyed a long and happy marriage, please accept my sincere congratulations and if you are enjoying the early years of marriage may you have many happy years in peace and love to come.

God bless you and may love always be in our hearts.

Minister Jean