Pints of View
A Big thankyou to Bishop Clive and Bob Jackson for what was an enjoyable and enlightening evening of al fresco Pints of View last Thursday, once again ably hosted by Merry Hills very own Dimbelby Tim Oldham. Topics ranged from clerical dress codes, Fairtrade products, Richard Chamberlain, the role of Bishops and the most pressing issue of the day, well that particular day at least, the appropriateness (or not as the case was) of Christian prayer for the dismissal of Ricky Ponting. Rumours remain unconfirmed that the next topic will be on the ethical hot potatoe of “Pretending to spill drinks on your gloves to eat up time, its not really cheating, is it?” It was great to see so many people there, listen to some very wise words, enjoy the sun (and some great Ubu beer) and hear the wonderful message of Christ for todays society .
Thursday 9th July at The Mermaid in Wightwick
We are pleased to say that our next Pints of View night will be held on Thursday 9th at the Mermaid (change of venue for the evening, however if memory serves me right they do a fine burger), to co-incide with the end of the Bishop & Archdeacons canal tour of the Black Country. Panelists will include the Bishop (Clive Gregory) and recent ordinands. which should give us a lively perspective as to where the church is now and is heading to in the city.
More details to follow as they come in!
In the meantime if you can think of a better heading than my rather uninspired ”Bishops Finger” for this piece please let me know. 
Last event: Monday May 18th at 7.45 at The Merry Hill pub opposite St Jo’s. Next event in planning.
The guest speaker at the last event was Paul Uppal who is the candidate for the Conservative Party at the next General Election. Discussion points were varied ranging from the role of family, corruption in politics and education on what was a lively night. Pictured below is Paul in discussion with a stripy-looking Tim Oldham (the photographer may need training BTW:) ).
Hosted by St Joseph’s, Pints of View is an evening of topical discussion at the pub, with guest panellists and a chance to show how the faith relates to what’s happening in the news. It’s open to all – male, female, Christian, atheist, whatever (although you need to be legal in the pub!). You don’t even have to have a pint.
The format is simple – two or three knowledgeable people are put on bar stools in the back room and the audience gets to ask them questions about a topic. Past guests have included Rob Marris MP and (separately!) his political opponents in Wolverhampton South West from the LibDems (Robin Lawrence) and Paul Uppal (Conservatives – pictured above looking thoughtful), Andrew Ritchie (a local magistrate), Phill Ball of West Midlands Police, and our very own Revd Phil Cansdale. We get Tim Oldham to moderate the event and run on until Tim has had enough beer, or the t pub quiz is about to start, or both.
The night is run in a friendly and informal manner and contributions are welcome from everyone. It is also a great way to get friends who are more comfortable in the pub than the church along to an event.
For more information email pintsofview@saintjosephs.co.ukor call Geoff Jellis on 0779290854. Geoff also maintains his PoV blog!
