I move, at once, to our Parish cats. Who was it said " .....    Know your Parish cats, know your Parish"?  You will remind me.

If the truth be told, I am a little shy when in the company of our Parish cats.  They seem to look at me as if I was not there.

But now, so far as I know, beyond dispute - at least I think so - here I am, and I want them to know: I am large as life, wanting to be friendly, full of warm smiles, ready with a little chuck under the chin.

 I    look back again. Yes - just as I thought.

 Well, I ask.

 I am determined to do better: discard at once my natural shyness; ignore completely dryness of the throat, watering of the eyes, hoarseness of voice, not quite knowing what to do with my feet. I shall step boldly into the arena.  I shall start tomorrow; no, better, today. 

My strategy laid down, now for tactics, the finer points. Would a large bunch of flowers be the thing?; or a ball of wool?; an electric fire?; two pairs of bed-socks?   

Any of these? I will put out enquiries around the Parish - to those who understand these things. 

For within the Parish, mainly among the ladies, there are some have a wonderful way with cats.  These - possessors of rare insights - do splendid service on behalf of us all. Bridge builders, they; promoters of understanding; capable of converse in strange tongues; effectors of breakthroughs, sustainers of relationships. Just the sorts of things I most admire; would like to have a hand in.

 But could it ever be?:  could I be taught (a thought in my mind, you will understand). Could there be set up some sort of school?; led by some of our leading exponents of the gentle art they so richly possess?

Excitement, hope, stirs within me: by working together we might found a society For the Further and Better Contact with Cats: truly a glorious Parish achievement. Soon to invite in neighbouring Parishes?: extending membership to the County of Surrey?

I feel moved to song. Now, how does it go?  .......In for a penny, in for a pound? (ah I have it, I think): they'll be thanking us later, I'll be bound. 

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