Indeed. In Preston they've just lost one of the three priests. The two who remain are overstretched, trying to run two churches, as the congregation at the other church is growing fast and they are also establishing a school, house of discernment, a rich liturgical programme every day, and much else. They need our prayers. Preston is very fortunate to have two Canons and the Sister Adorers reviving the huge church of St Walburge. The small congregation at English Martyrs are already used to going to St Walburges on weekdays and over the summer. The buildings are very close.

There is no party worth voting for which has a chance of winning. The system is fixed. If there was a decent independent standing in my constituency I'd probably give him or her my vote. But there isn't. I won't be voting because that would suggest that the system is honest and that there's an actual democracy at play. The UK needs to hit rock bottom so that a new political system can emerge. At the moment it's depressing that the UK, as we have known it, is in terminal decline. It gives me no pleasure to recognise this - but I am a realist.