Alarming or helpful?

Do you notice signs? This one made me stop to giggle because of its ambiguity. Why is this roof alarmed? It's very high and very big so what could possibly have alarmed it? Low-flying aircraft? Migrating geese? Woodworm in the rafters? Bats in the belfry? Most likely the latter. The roof in question is a rural medieval church roof. On the other hand the notice probably means the roof has been fitted with an alarm system to deter lead and copper thieves - a major problem round our way. The image is just part of the notice on the board outside the church. The other part tells which security company to phone if you need to climb on the roof. Lead and copper thieves need not apply. Gutter clearers and roof restorers welcome.

Signs that warn of alarmed rooves or badgers on the road are useful.


So are signs that point the way you might want to go.
But who would want to go here?
"TO THE EDGE"


Some signposts are just confusing, giving no clear direction at all, like this one below. Do I want to go this way, that way or somewhere else?

When you are looking for a particular place, clear signing in a language you understand is very helpful. 3 cheers for Moreton-in-the-Marsh in the Cotswolds, England, for waking up to the need for signage in Japanese to help their many Japanase tourists. Middle England is waking up to how to make visitors more welcome.

Signs are on my mind in preparation for Sunday's gospel reading John 1: 29 - 42, a story that tells how John the Baptist pointed to Jesus. Then Andrew, who heard John speak, brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. John was like a signpost. Andrew was a personal guide not only pointing the way but showing it. Maybe the church doesn't need more authorised ministers, but more people like St Andrew. What do you think?