We are daily reminded by the media of our growing materialism which will eventually, if you believe the media, be our downfall. Certainly there are people whose only ambition is to acquire more and more possessions as an end in itself, which obviously denotes greed and insecurity and benefits no one. These accusations of materialism are, in many respects, quite insulting to the average person, (if such there is) and need analysing.

So called 'materialism' often stems from people who grew up with little or no 'mod cons', and made their lives more comfortable. As a result they are unjustly singled out for improving their standard of living simply because it involved spending money on much needed possessions and improvements.

There is little virtue in waking up on an icy winter morning without hot water, central heating and windows frozen inside and out. Years ago there were no fitted carpets to take the chill off and I can remember, as a child, my teeth literally chattering with cold. My father, who suffered from bronchitis couldn't have had a much worse start to the day. Wealthy people did, of course, have servants to light the fires and prepare breakfast but to the man in the street these people might as well have lived on another planet. Thousands of women were simply drudges for most of their lives (a few still are today) and before the advent of washing machines, fridge/freezers, central heating, food processors, dish washers etc., there was precious little time or money for leisure and very few people owned cars.

Once these luxury items began being mass produced there was a real incentive for people to work to obtain these specialist goods. These products are now the norm in most households and include telephones, television, cars, videos, C.D. and D.V.D. players, computers and mobile phones. People began to realise that, with more time for leisure, life could actually be enjoyed as opposed to being one long daily grind. In addition advanced medical facilities also improved people's standard of living. Suddenly people's expectations of life were greatly increased.

All this was due to so called 'materialism' which gave people a whole new outlook and pleasure in life. Prior to this, the majority of people were content if they could just have shelter, food and warmth - the same requirements of the animals. This 'materialism' has in fact, freed people from daily drudgery and afforded them a lifestyle never dreamed of in their grandparents' day. The time for criticism will be when material possessions are the only reason for existence. We are, I believe, a long way from that day and I, personally, am eternally grateful for enjoying a quality of life not available to my parents.

Today 'materialism' is often just another word for what used to be known as 'keeping up with the Jones's', i.e. wanting something someone else has just for the sake of it, not because you need it. It's very much the same with cars. Joe Public down the road has just traded in his car for a new one so you immediately begin to think that you too must change yours. Why, for Heaven's sake, when your own is running perfectly well?

These accusations of materialism are, of course, fuelled by the press and television, the very same media which pulls out all the stops to persuade us , by advertising, that we will not be happy unless or until we have that new lawnmower, C.D. player, car, new kitchen or that exotic holiday. We are bombarded morning, noon and night by advertisements doing their utmost to ensure we become the materialistic society of which we are accused. There is nothing virtuous in making people feel they will not be happy until they acquire certain possessions, in addition to the fact that many people cannot afford them. Unfortunately, people are easily influenced and some will succumb to the temptations brandished in front of them, night after night, with unremitting tenacity.

The majority of people have enough sense not to be tempted into buying things they cannot afford and are content with the creature comforts they have. There are thousands of people who derive tremendous pleasure from their gardens and will spend hours cultivating them. Other people enjoy walking for hours in the countryside, hill climbing, a game of bridge, fishing, a trip to the library, swimming, playing tennis, painting, cooking a special meal, planning a picnic or barbeque, drama, reading a particularly good book or inviting friends round for the evening. None of these activities cost very much but they give people hours of pleasure and, in many cases, allow them to interact with each other.

It should be emphasised that there is nothing at all to be ashamed of in taking holidays abroad, owning a car, wearing good clothes or acquiring a home and all that goes with it. Having a warm comfortably furnished home is something to be proud of and obviously involves spending money to achieve this. So, please, do not allow the media to make you feel guilty because you take pleasure in your home, sentimental possessions, your car or a lovely holiday. Most of you take enormous pleasure and pride in your children and many of you are wonderful friends to your neighbours, being there for them in times of need. The spiritual, aesthetic and emotional sides of life are far from extinct.