Tale Of Chandler’s Ford Vicarage

I like taking random pictures of Chandler’s Ford. Last week, I found that the Vicarage of the parish church got a new sign.

Would you like to see the difference of the old and new signs?

The old sign of the Vicarage of the Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford used to carry a bold white word “VICARAGE” against the cherry red background. The sign was to the right of the gate, half covered by the leaves.

However, the new sign of the Vicarage has a number: 30 The Vicarage, on a silver plate. The sign is placed to the left of the gate. The sign is not covered by any leaf (yet).

I know that comparing to important questions like “Will I go to heaven?”, “What is the Trinity?”, or “Do you support gay marriage?” the question about the sign of the Vicarage is absolutely trivial.  However, I was so curious that I asked the Reverend Dr Ian Bird about the change.

Actually Ian was quite pleased that I asked him this question. “Finally someone’s noticed it!” I’m proud that I’m the first person who raised such a trivial question.

Ian told me that the main reason for the change was that the Chandler’s Ford Vicarage actually doesn’t ‘exist’ in many satellite maps used by many delivery companies. The Vicarage is not featured in those digital devices. Therefore, it meant the Vicarage does not exist. Lots of posts (and gifts) never reached the Vicar, as the delivery people could not find the Vicarage.

Ian told me that his wife bought him some gifts 2 years ago, but he’s still waiting for the delivery to the Vicarage.

In the past, it was logical that many of Dr. Ian Bird’s letters got delivered to Park Surgery a few yards away. Who said the delivery people didn’t have a bit of common sense?

Now we should all know that the Chandler’s Ford Vicarage has a number – 30. I’m sure Ian will receive many surprised Christmas presents by post this year.