30th July 2025
My first summer in Beaulieu has been exceptional.
From seeing the new foals growing tall across the forest, to cheering on the children on sports day at Beaulieu Village School, to seeing the fun of the East Boldre Scarecrow Festival and Beaulieu Village Fete, to hearing the excitement of new sailors at Juniors week at Beaulieu River Sailing Club. Our parish is full of the innocence of youth and the joys of this special part of the world.
I’m reminded of the poem “A boat, beneath a sunny sky” by Lewis Carroll.
Intertwined here are themes of childhood, memory, and the passage of time, as Carroll reflects on the fleeting nature of innocence and joy.
The poem is a nostalgic reflection on the past and a contemplation of the ephemeral nature of life, likening it to a dream.
It reminds me of the importance of having freedom to explore and enjoy what is right in front of us, in the remembrance that it won’t last forever.
A boat, beneath a sunny sky
Lingering onward dreamily
In an evening of July—
Children three that nestle near,
Eager eye and willing ear,
Pleased a simple tale to hear—
Long has paled that sunny sky:
Echoes fade and memories die:
Autumn frosts have slain July.
Still she haunts me, phantomwise,
Alice moving under skies
Never seen by waking eyes.
Children yet, the tale to hear,
Eager eye and willing ear,
Lovingly shall nestle near.
In a Wonderland they lie,
Dreaming as the days go by,
Dreaming as the summers die:
Ever drifting down the stream—
Lingering in the golden gleam—
Life, what is it but a dream?
Autumn is just around the corner. I pray as we move into August and as the blackberries ripen ready for our hearty warming crumbles, we make sacred time to be present in the gifts of this life and the goodness of God’s creation.
I pray that we remember the roots of our faith - that of unconditional love for all people, and that like the ancient oaks around us, we bring shelter, support and beauty to all people. Rooted and inspired by Christ, supported and guided by the Holy Spirit, and eternally loved by our Heavenly Father.
Amen.
