Tag Archives: photography

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Living on the edge of woodlands, I am treated, on a regular basis, to rare sights that perhaps a garden with a more suburban backdrop might not enjoy. The birds that visit me don’t come because of a fantastical bird table, or gourmet treats (for mine is a simple table within a dead Camellia tree, and some suet crumbles that seem to suffice,) but simply because of location, location, location! My glasses, alongside my coffee, are needed to be sure of exactly who does turn up at the 7 o’clock hour.

Hawfinches are very rare to see, and although I was unable to get a picture, I do know that it is absolutely possible to spot them near woodlands. He has an unmistakable large beak for his size, a very handy tool for crushing cherry stones and tree seeds. He is the largest finch in the UK, but sadly he is Red-listed, meaning that he is becoming increasingly rare, probably because of the loss of his habitat.

They are very shy birds, preferring to keep high in the canopy of trees, and their numbers increase slightly in winter as their European cousins arrive, giving us a better chance of seeing them.

His symbolism is often linked to that wonderfully powerful beak. In old England, he was known by names such as ‘Cherry Chopper ‘ for his ability to break open those hard cherry stones with ease. That strength of jaw and beak has come to represent inner strength and breakthroughs, a reminder that maybe we do have the ability to crack open what seem to be the impossible problems and reach the truth hidden within.

He’s also something of a mystery, usually unseen amongst the trees, with a simple, sharp call and an almost ghostly presence. I will choose to believe I did see him, face whatever obstacles arrive in my day with a little more strength, and a determined confidence.

Last night in Chawton, we welcomed Lorraine Francois and Catherine Whitbread. Between them, they shared a beautiful, thoughtful address and brought our lovely messages. Thank you so much, Ladies!! A lovely evening. Our own lovely Chris Elliot chaired the evening beautifully. We always thank our family for their readings and prayers, as well as our Music Team, with Julie running the music last night. Thank you for the yummy cake, Carole, and thank you to Sue for hospitality.

We are ever grateful for our diligent healers, ever ready after the service, as well as everyone who not only sets up but also breaks down the evening, and makes it quick, light work.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK.

Please pray for our Natural World. This earth and her inhabitants are going through it. With so many natural disasters occurring, as well as our interference with the ways of nature, we must remember that all of creation is affected, not just us.

Calendar up later.

Have a beautiful week.

Pause and enjoy the change of seasons.

Picture credit: Gary Jones Wildlife Photography

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The end of Summer has come and gone as we tread though the early part of September. I spied Christmas lights up in the area. Good heavens. Let’s just skip Autumn entirely and get straight to it. No!! People are ever interesting aren’t they! How can we skip the new season as it unfolds?

My sister spotted a Red Kite yesterday, not just circling high on the thermals as they do but swooping down on a residential road, obviously with something specific in mind. No one was the victim this time, but as a bird of prey, although not as strong as the others in these lands, small mammals and birds seem to have a sense when they are around, and of course the tell tale meowing call can give them away, and all usually goes quiet, until the danger passes.

Rural areas give much opportunity for these opportunistic hunters, but they will rely heavily on any available carrion meal. They are very visible in autumn for the season brings changes that they must adapt to and they usually gather in larger numbers and so roost communally in woodlands and forests to share information especially concerning food. The young kites will be on their own and getting out there in survival mode also.

Unlike some of the other birds of prey, he is not only the scavenger, and the acrobat, but the absolute thief, stealing whatever he needs, when he needs it.. where possible. In medieval London these kites were known as laundry thieves, as they regularly stole hanging knickers from clotheslines to help build their nests!! Be warned!

He is the epitome of working with what he’s got, and does not waste his energy. Look up on a clear day during the change of the season. He is easy to spot with his forked tail circling high above in those crisp autumn skies. It’s always worth a moment.

Yesterday was our beautiful Healing Service in Chawton, led by Rob Harvey. There were beautiful prayers and readings to set the tone for the beautiful healing that took place during the service. Thank you to our dedicated healers, and all those who offered the readings and prayers.

Thank you to our Music Team running the music, Our Hospitality girls, and for all the set up and break down. We also had a little extra time to visit with each other whilst sipping our teas and coffees.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Please pray for Peace in this world. It is so needed with all the violence, the wars and greed that exist

Embrace the day whatever it looks like, or whatever it brings.

It’s a gift.

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This year I didn’t see the blackbird chicks in my garden, but I have noticed their parents much more over the past few weeks.

At the weekend, the male perched on the bird table and, for nearly half an hour, this usually shy garden visitor seemed to share some moments chirping back and forth with me. I imitated his chirps, and each time he answered with a slightly different pattern. I finally had to get on with my day, but it felt quite unusual for such a shy and cautious bird and was a wonderfully uplifting way to begin an early summer morning.

Though blackbirds are not strictly monogamous, pairs will often return to the same territory together year after year if both have survived the winter. They are also remarkably intelligent and can recognise individual humans by their appearance, routines and even their voices.

The blackbird is actually a member of the thrush family, a medium-sized, ground-feeding songbird with a truly beautiful voice. It is no surprise that Paul McCartney wrote his famous song, Blackbird.

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night…”

Blackbirds sometimes sing after dark because of light pollution confusing them.

The female is a gentle, soft brown, while the male is unmistakable with his glossy jet-black feathers and bright golden-yellow beak. They have long been woven into myth and folklore. Far from being a bad omen, the blackbird has often been seen as a messenger of hope, renewal, transformation and new awareness.

Last night we had many messengers of hope and love as our own Sarah Dorgan took the platform to share an inspiring message about slowing down, taking a moment to stop and smell the roses. She then went on to bring some beautiful messages. It was a lovely evening of laughter, and chaired beautifully by Virginia Gordon. Thank you so much, ladies.

Our church family offered beautiful prayers and readings that lifted the energy in the room. There was cake, there was music, and there was much laughter.

Thank you, Julie, for our music. Thank you, Carol and Chris, for your wonderful hospitality. Thank you to our healers, and to everyone who helped with the setup and breakdown after the gathering.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Please pray for Peace close to home and across our world, for all those who need that solace in their lives.

Calendar up tomorrow.

Have a beautiful week.

Take a moment…. You’re allowed.

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One of the most striking butterflies to be seen in the UK during June is the Red Admiral. Originally known as the “Red Admirable”, his original English name, the butterfly’s name became “Red Admiral” over time.

This beautiful butterfly is migratory, arriving from North Africa each spring. Many return south in September, although not all make the journey. With the milder winters Britain has experienced more recently, increasing numbers are choosing to remain here, hunkering down in sheltered locations through the winter.

The Red Admiral is particularly fond of Buddleia, AKA “butterfly bush”, for the nectar-rich blooms. He is also frequently seen feeding on fermenting fruit, when necessary, and tastes with his feet, marching up and down to see whether it is worth a munch.

He is fiercely territorial and a little grumpy. Males will often establish their patch and aggressively chase off rival butterflies.

In folklore and spiritual symbolism, the Red Admiral is often regarded as a messenger, representing transformation, protection, and courage. A sighting of him is sometimes interpreted as a sign of guidance, reassurance, or positive change on the horizon.

After another gorgeous day in these parts, we welcomed Karen Bazazan Noghani to us in Chawton last night for our Friendship Service. Thank you so much for your inspired thoughts and bringing our messages last night. We were so glad to meet you. Steve chaired our evening beautifully. Thank you, Steve.

The energy was high as we enjoyed beautiful readings and prayers and sang some lovely hymns. Thank you to our readers. Thank you, Julie, for running our music, and thank you to the hospitality ladies. Carole and Sue. Our healers stood by to help those in need after the service. Thank you, and so many pitched in to pack up and clear away.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Please pray for our little church, that we can find new ways to serve our own church family, but also those in our communities.

Calendar up tomorrow.

It’s almost midsummer. Enjoy the long light evenings!

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The cuckoo, known for its famous two-note call, arrives in the UK from Africa around April. The female cuckoo lays her eggs in another bird’s nest, often first spooking the host bird away. She then leaves the unsuspecting foster parents to incubate the eggs, feed the chicks, and raise the fledglings! What a strategy that helps conserve the cuckoo’s energy and resources. This behaviour is known as brood parasitism.

Quite a trickster, and perhaps seemingly unfair, the cuckoo demonstrates just how it has evolved and the lengths it will go to help its young survive. They are also known for having multiple partners during a breeding season to increase the chances of reproduction and survival. Other birds also engage in brood parasitism, but the cuckoo is by far the most famous.

That cute little bird appearing each hour on our cuckoo clocks is far more devious than we might imagine, yet also highly intelligent and practical. While the word “cuckoo” can mean, in some contexts, foolishness, its symbolism is often associated with transformation, intuition, and adaptability.

Last night in Chawton, we hosted our beautiful Healing Service. It was an evening filled with wonderful energy, readings, prayers, and, of course, healing. Healing was administered during the service, and I trust everyone enjoyed a sound sleep afterwards.

Thank you to Rob for leading us and to our readers. Thank you also to the hospitality team, to Julie for the music, and to our diligent healers. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful Healing Team. So much thanks should go to all those who set up and broke down the evening also.

Prayer of the Week

Please pray for all those caught up in the violence of wars around the world. The suffering they endure is beyond our understanding. Please send your thoughts and prayers to them, for they are so very much in need.

Calendar up tomorrow.

Yes, it’s raining… umbrellas in June! Try to keep dry.

Have a beautiful week!

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The garden birds are busy preparing at this important time of year, and the birds of prey are going through the same motions and stresses also. The Eurasian Sparrowhawk may be one of the smallest birds of prey, but it is mighty in its own way. After a decline in numbers several decades ago, they are now quite abundant around the UK.

From March through to June, you can witness their stunning aerial “skydancing” displays, part of their dramatic mating ritual. The female takes charge of nurturing the eggs once laid, while the male goes on the hunt, using that remarkable stealth to provide the extra food needed. One swoop with a sudden shower of feathers often signals a sparrowhawk nearby.

Interestingly, the females are quite a bit larger than the males, which is unusual. Symbolically, they represent extreme focus and awareness, reminding us to pay attention. They are also linked to new beginnings and, in some traditions, are thought to be spiritual messengers.

We were fortunate to have one of our own spiritual messengers last night, as our dear friend Lesley Knight came to visit. What a beautiful evening it was. Lesley shared beautiful thoughts and gave wonderful evidence of continuing life, along with such lovely messages. Thank you so much.

Our own Sarah Dorgan chaired our gathering beautifully, and we are grateful to our family for the beautiful prayers and readings.  Thank you to Julie for the music, Sue for her hospitality, and to Carole for another divine cake creation.

Thank you to our healers, always ready to help afterwards, and to all the wonderful healing trainees. And thank you to everyone who helped set up, break down down, and take care of the washing up.

Prayer of the Week
Please, let us pray for peace everywhere. May leaders find peace within themselves and become more aware of the consequences of their actions.

Calendar to follow.
Have a beautiful week!

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Even through some foggy mornings and days, springtime is coming, as noted by the endless birdsong and activity, and the now luminous green appearing in our woodland. Even the moss gives a fantasy look to the forest, with its lime-green, almost luminescent colour.

The humble but very territorial blackbird is out and about with all the other busy birds, cocking his head to hear the earthworms underfoot. The male is black with that bright orange beak, and the female has a soft brown plumage.

They are a protected bird, and also one of our most common birds, so common that perhaps they get overlooked in favour of the more striking colours of some of their kin. His song is beautiful, though, as noted in many poems and songs. Numbers swell in the wintertime as their Scandinavian and Baltic cousins join them in this slightly warmer climate. These pairs often stay together for life. The female lays about three to six beautiful turquoise eggs with rusty spots. They used to be named “ousel,” as noted in the works of Shakespeare, but in 1486 they were renamed simply blackbirds. Folklore in general has them as harbingers of change, and Celtic symbolism holds that their song thins the veil between this world and the next.

We welcomed the lovely Sarah McLaughlan last night to our little church with a big heart. Sarah brought many inspired thoughts to remind us and uplift us, and then shared many lovely and very helpful messages for the family. Thank you so much, Sarah. We really did have such a lovely evening. Alison Keogh chaired our gathering. Thank you.

As always, we thank our readers and prayer people. We thank hospitality and Carole’s cake making. We thank Lisa for running our music, and also our healers who were on hand afterwards. Thank you to everyone who pitches in with the set-up, break-down, and the washing up.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Please pray this week for more understanding in this world, understanding in our homes, in our communities, and on the global stage. Understanding brings compassion, and compassion heals situations. The Golden Rule stands in every age.

Calendar up tomorrow.

Have a lovely week. Find the beauty in every day.

Photo credit: Mireille Berthoud

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Walking through the woodlands this morning, I must admit there wasn’t too much inspiration in a visual sense. No wonder this month inspired the song lyrics ‘January sick and tired you’ve been hanging on me’, and yet my ears had a feast of bird song and then the unmistakable loud drumming of a woodpecker, most probably The Greater Spotted Woodpecker.

None of the birds have a chance to moan about this month, for they are preparing. Finding their mate is of the utmost importance, and the woodpeckers are no different. The drumming is to establish their breeding territories. The Greater Spotted Woodpecker is small with a black and white plumage and a dash of red at the back of the head for the males.

As food is scarce, you may get a treat and see them in your garden. Along with the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and the Green Woodpecker, they are fully fledged native residents in the UK. A woodpecker’s Spiritual symbolism is that of persistence, divine timing, and communication, encouraging us to dig deeper to find inner wisdom. A good example for us as we move through the start of this year.

And what a start to the year we have had. Last night in Chawton, we had another of our own taking the podium, as in the lovely Sarah Dorgan, who shared such meaningful, inspired thoughts, and then went on to bring so many messages. Well done, Sarah. We had a lovely night!! Chris Elliot was our chair, making a great team to lead us through the evening.

We thank the readers also for raising the energy. We thank Lisa for running our music. Carole and Sue, we thank you for the hospitality and cake!! Thank you to our healers who were quite busy last night! And of course, busy hands setting up, breaking down, and washing up. Thank you!

Prayer of the week.

Please pray for the bereaved. Some suffer a very sudden loss, and some experience the loss of a child, which can be especially difficult. Please pray that they can all be lifted into understanding and Peace which can change everything.

Calendar up later.

Remember, the endless rain will give us such a lush springtime.

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One week into official summertime, and all of summer is in full swing. The temperatures have been sizzling, and we cannot complain. Even the marsh frogs are trying to cool off in their ponds. He is not native to the UK but was introduced during the 1930s to the Walland Marsh in Kent, and has become very established within the South East. Larger than most frogs, he can be very acrobatic and also very shy and hard to spot, being wary of humans. He is active day and night, and very vocal with his loud laughing call, but will stop immediately with movement nearby that he considers threatening. He is associated with healing and wisdom.

Well, he and his pals quietened down very quickly on Saturday in their pond at ‘Eden’, as we began to gather for our annual Garden Party. Usually, we pray for good weather and no rain, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky as we sheltered from the sun. It was a glorious afternoon of laughter and chatter as some hard-working souls ran back and forth with tea, Pimms, sandwiches, scones, and more, and we sat enjoying each other and the beautiful garden. The annual fun auction was also a great success!. Thanks to Rob and Sue, Chris Shore, Chris Elliot, and Carole, amongst others, who made the afternoon so lovely for everyone!

We then rolled into Sunday, enjoying Eve Cowell, our visiting medium at our evening gathering, and we had a lovely time!! Thank you so much, Eve, for your thoughts and bringing such lovely messages for us!! Thank you to the family for our readings and prayers. Thank you, hospitality, music team, and of course, our healers. And we never forget the set-up and break-down each week!!

Thank you, Everyone. Just a wonderful weekend all around.

Calendar up next.

Have a beautiful week!!

Hydrate and don’t forget the animals and plants!!

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It is that time when we know we are fully into Autumn, as the Pumpkins are doing more than making an appearance. They are everywhere, whether real or decoration, and definitely get us into the Harvest/Autumnal feel. We spied one at Church last night, beautifully carved.

Pumpkins are fairly easy to grow, requiring a little shelter but plenty of sun. They were introduced to Tudor England in the sixteenth century by The French. They are native to North America and have been grown there for at least five thousand years. The Native Americans used strips of pumpkin to make mats. This colourful vegetable is full of Vit A, B, potassium and protein, and so oh so good for you! Their Spiritual symbolism is one of Harvest and Abundance. No surprises there.

There was an abundance of Spirit and good feeling last night with the high energy, as we welcomed Virginia Gordon who has been part of our family for some time. We had lovely thoughts shared by her and then she brought the messages. Well done Virginia!. It was a truly lovely evening!! Steve chaired the evening with his usual humour, as we heard beautiful prayers and readings. Thank you for music, cake – coffee and walnut no less, and healers standing by after the service. Thanks to all those who diligently set up and break down the evening each and every week!

Prayer for the week.

Please pray for Peace in this world. The world sorely needs it.

Calendar up next!

Have a beautiful Autumnal week!!