Neil and Ann Jefferyes retired to Alton in Staffordshire in 2002. Ann wrote two children’s books – “Eyagall’s Crown” and “Jake” and Neil wrote “The Everyday Use of the Lord’s Prayer” You can find out more about them on this website. Like many others it proved impossible to find a publisher so they did it themselves.
Alton is famous for its theme park but less well known for the beautiful countryside. Alton Castle sits on the edge of the Churnet Valley and the views are spectacular. Highview seemed a good name, not least because when we see things from God’s point of view it changes our lives completely.
Ann graduated from Durham University with an honours degree in music and became head of music at Rutherford High School in Newcastle-
She retains her interest in music, playing the violin and piano. She started writing poetry and children’s books in the 1970’s and has lived in the Stoke-
Neil took an honours degree in science at St Andrew’s University before studying for a London BD and preparing for ordination in the Church of England. He has served in parishes in the Dioceses of Liverpool, Carlisle, Oxford and Lichfield before retiring to Alton in Staffordshire. His interest in the Lord’s Prayer arose out of preaching. Although there are many books giving a detailed exposition of the Lord’s Prayer, there seemed to be a lack of material that helps in its daily use and as a result the best known prayer in the world is in danger of losing its power through over familiarity. Neil feels that because Jesus gave the words not just as a prayer but more importantly as a pattern it can liberate us, not only to discover its own riches, but to build a library of resources to enhance our daily prayer.
Neil is holding the first edition of his book published in 2005. This was bound professionally but printed entirely at home. One Amazon reviewer was quite complementary about the book – apart from the cover! (“The cover artwork is very unattractive”). The second edition has fared better – see reviews.
