My father, a wise man, always advised my brothers and myself to avoid discussing politics and religion in public – probably with the family also, though he never said as much.

Assuredly with Brexit, then the calamity that is Covid-19, we have had a tsunami of politics in recent times and being of, generally, a reasonably tolerant nature, and most certainly desiring to live in peace with family, friends and colleagues of widely differing views, many strongly held, I’ve not the slightest intention of debating such.

Certainly we have rarely lived through more polarising, passionate times during the span of our lives – which in my instance, and of numerous others encompasses a prolific number of years.

Thus with fervour in the fields of Parliament, Government and ideology remaining high, I shall avoid voicing views and outlooks on matters of state, whether local, national or world embracing.

Not that I don’t have opinions and beliefs; I assuredly do and being a man of ‘a certain age’, they are unlikely to alter now.

As to religion, this is possibly an even more contentious subject – and a more dangerous one – than the world of politics. For no matter how savage debate and disagreements become regarding the governing of our nation mercifully it creates, here in Britain, few acts of violence.

Regrettably the same cannot be said of religion where fundamentalism and hideous intolerance all too often brings mayhem and massacre to our streets, evil terrorists killing and maiming innocent people in cold blood.

Personally, all I will say regarding my own religious persuasions is that I was raised in a good Christian home by parents who always lived by the essential tenets of Christianity;

I’ve attempted, all too often unsuccessfully, to live by such. However, whilst I do not intend to seek to analyse or discuss the potentially explosive minefield that can be adherence to religious belief – especially if followed zealously – I would like to talk of faith.

This, of course, covers not only spiritual belief, but a great deal more.

In this direction mine is widespread and unshakeable. I have faith in my wonderful wife, Ann, and my adored family, to always be there for me in the future as they have perpetually been in the past – and as I will ever be there for them.

I have faith (though it is not always easy) in the governmental and legal systems of our nation – plus our unique constitutional monarchy – to rule and administer with justice and respect for the common good.

The reality that, no matter how turbulent the times, civil disorder remains rare, is testimony to the fact the vast majority of we British feel likewise.

I have faith that our public services, no matter what the demands on them, will always be there for us – the NHS, fire and rescue, the police and suchlike.

Also, despite all the grim happenings in the world, I retain a faith in human nature; granted there are evil men and women who are soused in malevolence, but overwhelmingly folk are decent, honest and respectful of others.

I even have faith, despite the fact that it has been battered and abused throughout my lifetime, that Plymouth Argyle will one day be truly successful – a powerhouse in the world of football. Mind you in this direction I have little faith it will happen in my lifetime.

Old moaning man though I am, and will continue to be, I do not lack faith in the generations represented by my children, grandchildren and beyond; it has probably ever been the case that older folk look upon the young with concern, even despair, at the way they live their lives; surely there is no need, for that’s the way the parents of we elderly looked upon us – generally unfairly.

Then, of course, there is probably the ultimate faith – that which cannot be divorced from religion.

It is one which I find becomes ever more relevant. For I am at an age now when, inevitably, the Grim Reaper will be closing in, scythe in hand.

With this in mind, I feel fortunate in the fact my faith is such, I believe in an afterlife; when my eyes close for the final time, I do not consider it will be the end; rather I believe I will move on to another world.

Where it will be, mind you, and what it will be like, clearly I have no idea. It could perhaps be heaven – but there is a fair chance it might be hell.

If it’s the latter, it might well be that there is a ‘next world’ Football League with the Pilgrims as members. That, indeed would be purgatory.