A FEW years ago, I had the interesting experience of listening to a person who made a living as a futurologist.

While fascinating, and he was a most engaging speaker, I came away as convinced as ever that predicting the future is an almost impossible business.

Those who endeavour to predict the future may, from time to time, achieve some success but it is never full or consistent.

Reflecting on the events of the last year and a half, I think that there are few who would have got it right.

As we know, we are again facing another General Election.

So much for the fixed term parliament act.

Once again the big issues are being set before us and we will soon need to decide.

There is a danger when surrounded by anxieties, global threats, tragedies and distress in nations to become either blaze or cynical.

However, goodness should never be taken for granted and all who work in the public sphere for good need our support and thanks.

Part of my role and privilege as a Bishop is to go round and see what people are doing locally.

Global and political solutions to big problems are one thing, but local people working for good in their communities is another.

What never fails to encourage and surprise me is the sheer numbers of people who get involved in local schemes that make a real difference in others lives.

While writing this article, I took a look at the BBC News web page which lays out graphically so much of what is going on in the world and with insightful comment.

I also took a look at our Hereford Diocesan web site and particularly the pages on community involvement in visiting schemes, work with the deaf, lonely and bereaved to name but some.

As a church, we are partners with many others in local work for the common good.

We might not be able to predict the future but we can make a difference in the present and in the local.

As Easter celebrates the triumph of good over evil and life over death, let's once again celebrate the local.