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Tribute To Denis Bond - 11 Apr 2010

Absent from the body present with the Lord became a reality for Denis Bond on Sunday morning 11 April as Denis slipped peacefully from the presence of those who surrounded him, with love, care and devotion on earth, into the presence of the Lord whom he loved and had served in so many spheres.

He had received a devastating diagnosis just the previous Monday but accepted it with a dignity and grace which could only have come from someone with an unshakeable faith in his Heavenly Father’s providential care, whose prayer was as the Psalmist’s “When my heart grows faint within me, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I”

Denis had been our church treasurer for eight years, during which time he impressed us all by his skilful grasp of financial matters and his ability to present detailed reports in a simple and clear manner. He was meticulous and thorough in all he did and his attention to detail earned him the confidence of our church family and ensured that as office bearers we were provided with comprehensive financial information, enabling us to operate effectively and efficiently, as stewards of the resources entrusted to us. A man of integrity with a sharp mind, Denis kept us focused and on course in our deliberations. His dry wit enlivened our discussions and transformed many a tedious meeting. Denis was spiritual, sensitive and caring and many will testify that his supportive comments, delivered unobtrusively, were a rich source of encouragement in times of need. Of Denis it can be said that “ he rests from his labours and his works do follow him.”

Speaking of a time when his dear friend David would be missing Jonathan, the son of King Saul declared “He will be missed for his seat shall be empty.”
Denis will leave an empty seat in the leadership of our church family. Empty too will be his place in his employment and the local community but nowhere will that emptiness be felt more poignantly than within his family where an aching void has been left in the lives and hearts of his dear wife Heather and their children Kathryn and Andrew to whom he was so devoted. To them and his mother and sisters we extend our deepest and prayerful sympathy.

Boy Craftsmen Trip to Rathlin - 07 May 2010

The Boy Craftsmen went on an overnight camping trip to Rathlin Island to bring their season to an end. Despite being one of the final nights it was most certainly one of the highlights of the 2009/10 year.
A total of 9 boys finished school early on Friday 7th May, and we headed off in the mini-bus to catch the 5 o’clock ferry out of Ballycastle. The boat journey takes approximately half an hour, the weather was idyllic, blue skies, calm seas and bright sunshine.
We were camping and had brought all the provisions required for the trip in our rucksacks. Shortly after landing on Rathlin we set up camp, had a quick bite to eat and then set-off to explore the southern leg of the island. Rathlin is famed for its natural wildlife and we were not disappointed seeing many species including seals, hares and numerous varieties of seabirds.
Next morning some of the boys decided to test out the water by jumping into in the harbour. To their shock the Atlantic ocean still has some way to go before reaching summer temperatures.
We took the island bus to the RSPB bird reserve at the west lighthouse, were we were able to view the returning summer seabirds – including the Puffin and Razorbill to mention a few.
We spent the afternoon walking back to the harbour around the cliff tops, enjoying the beauty of creation. Back in Ballycastle the first port of call was the fish & chip shop on the quayside to get our tea. There were more than a few tired feet and sunburnt faces heading home that evening.
Overall we had a wonderful trip which the boys will remember for many years.
To view more pictures of the trip Click Here