Written for a friends' retirement: "When a flock of starlings swarm, there is nothing perceptively guiding their flight. Mesmerising patterns are made by each bird keeping the same distance from the seven closest to them. Some scientists wonder if the patterns are made by each bird seeking the safest place in the centre of the … Continue reading Constancy
"Do we go to Father Christmas' church - it says St Nicholas!", says my excited six year old. What a paradox we give to children at Christmas - Santa - the myth of an old man you grow out of - versus Jesus - the truth of a baby the church says to believe in. … Continue reading Father Christmas – a festive parable?
Question: In what high street shop can you spend five minutes and £25 and buy: a decent rug that fits a whole room, the needed hat for your child’s fancy dress, a decent sleeping bag and a bag of dinosaurs. Charity shops are groaning with stuff – still working through the aftermath of the … Continue reading Why Second Hand is still not First Choice.
"Prickle by name, Prickle by nature", his mother sighed, as yet another perceived slight from his friend Bilberry caused the little hedgehug to stomp off into the bushes. Her friend nodded sympathetically and she went on. "It worries me that he will end up just a heap of prickles. I know he's terrified of being … Continue reading ‘Prickle’ – the story of a HedgeHug
Following a fad, or reinforcing foundations? Toddler groups bring more families into contact with churches than almost anything else, except perhaps food banks. Beyond grasping gratefully at the offer, does anyone wonder why churches provide them? Are they an outlet for nostalgic public-spirited housewives? Does the church think that coffee, toys and a chat will … Continue reading Into the Woods! Church toddler groups and forest school
Earth Day on Friday was a reminder that many centuries ago (it feels), during COP26, schools and communities around the world were urging on corporations and Governments to make difficult choices for the sake of the next generation. There is a widespread expectation among activists that planetary well being should come before profit or political … Continue reading Earth (day) on the EDGE – the unsung potential of the PSA
Bought in Kiev, 2003. Photo from my kitchen, March 2022, How on earth do you hold world-shaking events in your mind, as you continue daily life and deal with tiny domestic preoccupations? Do we shut out the world and focus on the immediate? Rendered powerless by the sheer scale of the crisis, do we seek … Continue reading A Crisis of Insight
When dear friends and family go through hard times it is so difficult to know how to respond and acknowledge its awfulness, whilst carrying on with everything you need to do as well. This is my attempt at expressing it. FOR A FRIEND IN NEED Let me help me carry your load, my friend,For the … Continue reading Compassionate Friendship through thick and thin
With my growing allergy to the proliferation of 'stuff' disguised as Christmas presents, I braved some scepticism and ventured into gift membership of two Wildlife Trusts. The enthusiastic reception more than made up for my discovery that had I waited until January they could both have joined at half price. So I'm now championing their … Continue reading What lies between – the worlds of the Wildlife Trusts
Taken on a market stall in Spetses, July 2017 The message of joy and peace in the nativity story can ring hollow for many given the state of the world. A couple of years ago I wrote a poem addressing this. Here is a revised version: "Joy to the world!", sang the angels that night;"Peace … Continue reading What happened to the promise of the Angels? (revised)
Grain of Sand 