IT’S great to feel genuinely welcomed. You know when a welcome is real, and not just a word.

Some 50 years ago I visited Dunkeld with a church youth group from Glasgow. On Sunday morning we went to church, chose a seat and waited for the service or start. Sitting at the end of the pew I was suddenly aware of a presence at my right shoulder. Standing in the aisle, looking directly at me with a glare that would have a sunk a battleship, stood a formidable lady, who said: “This is my pew. Please move and take your group with you.”

On the other hand, many years ago I decided to pop along to the Dumbarton People’s Theatre (DPT) to audition for a part in Arthur Miller’s marvellous play, The Crucible, the dramatic retelling of events that happens in the town of Salem, Massachussetts. Citizens were accused of being in league with the devil, and the town was in ferment. Entering this situation with a view to bringing peace and harmony, was me as the Rev John Hale.

I vividly remember being really apprehensive as the first rehearsal approached. At one point a negro slave Tituba (played by Ann Armstrong, whom I knew so very well) beseeched me to bring sanity and healing to the town. Ann did a great job kneeling before me and pleading with me. Suddenly she grabbed my leg while I began to jump about like a cat on a hot tin roof. The laughter of the cast was therapeutic and I was part of the team.

A few weeks ago I attended another audition. Thirty plus years have passed and I did not recognise all the thespians who gathered. There was a tap on my shoulder and a joke about my great age as John Maltman passed by (he makes a wonderful pantomime dame) – again a gesture to make me feel at home.

I got a small part, and I’m looking forward to it. The DPT have brought so much fun and laughter to so many people over the years and especially with their pantomimes. To the cast of the DPT, to the other churches and groups I have got involved with and have always made me feel welcome, my thanks. You have no idea just how important it is – especially to any newcomer.