From 1983 until 2007 the author was the charismatic Curate-in-Charge of the Hillside Parishes in North Yorkshire. He 'took on' eight churches, spread across 12 villages, with a population of about 2, 000, three schools and six village halls. This is the story of those years, and of how Toddy Hoare's family background and the early influences in his life stayed with him and became part of his ministry. Social and theological views are strongly held and expressed, whether on the daily practicalities of maintaining the fabric of historic churches and graveyards, pastoral care and chaplaincy, the place of hunting and shooting in rural communities, same sex relationships, or the ordination of women. There are also five poems. The book is illustrated with the author's sketches of Churches within the parishes, his designs for the covers of Parish magazines, and his sculpture. The cover image of the book itself is a self-portrait.