The Dode Times

Dode is a place of a million stories, I’ve said it before and no doubt I’ll say it again! Here’s another: It was a January evening in 1995 or perhaps ‘96, Colin and I were sitting quietly chatting in the dimly lit church, a few candles providing the only illumination (no electricity yet) when there was a gentle knock on the new door. Surprised, because we had heard no vehicle pull up, I opened it to meet, for the first time, a young man who was to become a regular, and now pe

From an idea, to a (big) plank of wood in my driveway, a couple of maquettes, a question designed to maintain domestic harmony and a jumble of timber In Jack’s Axework Arts workshop. To this beautiful table. Its sheer size sets it apart; made of a single piece of good English Oak, the top measuring almost three inches deep, on sturdy oaken legs, and weighing a ton, it’s designed to last for at least 200 years. The idea is for our smaller celebrations to enjoy, if they wish, t

Here’s a little throwback to a few weeks ago, at Imbolc (1st.of February for those who haven’t yet got used to the way we acknowledge and celebrate the passing of time at Dode). Perhaps Imbolc, is the ‘pausing point’ on the Wheel of the Year that offers most promise - the rain did nothing to dampen everybody’s spirits as we gathered to wake up our tiny orchard area. Illuminated by flaming torches, accompanied by drumbeat and shouts of ‘Wass Hail’ the trees could have been in

Today I did something this is eagerly anticipated each spring, I returned our Tree of Life to Dode following its annual trip to the engravers. The tree carries the names of all those who have chosen this special place to mark and celebrate important milestones in their lives. Be it welcoming a new life, a marriage, or saying final goodbyes, these ‘Rites of Passage’ are something that we all need. When we built Holly Barrow there was much discussion as to wether the names of t

In a quiet corner of the Kent countryside, where the breeze rustles through wild grasses and the birdsong is older than memory, lies a place that has always felt touched by the sacred. The Lost Village of Dode—cradled by the North Downs and wrapped in legend—is a haven for those seeking something ancient, something meaningful, and above all, something beautifully real. And now, Dode offers something entirely unique: Holly Henge, a solemn and sacred circle of ancient stones ne

Most fairy stories begin with ‘Once upon a time’. It’s a lovely opening line but it’s all a bit vague isn’t it? Here’s a story that’s isn’t about fairies (although I imagine they could well have the same problems) and a time line that isn’t in the least bit vague. In this promised tale of 700 years ago we know the actual days involved (thankfully not of the cause, but certainly of the effects!) But it’s such a good beginning that I’m going to use it anyway. Grab a cuppa and e

Here are 5 facts you may not know about Handfasting ceremonies at Dode. 1. Handfasting ceremonies predate Christian wedding ceremonies. Handfasting ceremonies were first documented almost 9,000 years ago, in Ireland. The Celtic tribes would symbolically join a couple using cord, ribbons or plaited cloth. The couple would declare their intention to marry in front of their families and the tribal elders. Some tribes would regard this as the full wedding, others had an engagemen

Deep in the North Kent countryside is a small ancient building with soul, it is all that remains of the village of Dode. The structure was built in 1100 and was once a place of worship for the villagers of Dode. In 1349 the Black Death swept through the village and wiped out the community. Without a congregation the small church was abandoned, never to be used for regular worship again. The church stood empty for centuries falling into ruin until it was bought by a local arch

The strange and compelling story of Dode If you would learn of history – of a fragment of rural history in these hidden vales of Kent – come with me to this Ghost Village of Dode – So wrote Donald Maxwell – 1926. This Little Norman Building is a rare and magical place indeed, looking almost exactly as it did over 900 years ago when it was first built in the reign of William Rufus, the son of the Conqueror. As you stand beneath the massive stone arch, you stand where, over 800

On Monday we held the first of our Carol Concerts, amongst a very full church it was lovely as always to see a good ‘smattering’ of couples whom we have married, unfortunately, with a lot going on I did not get a chance to chat with everyone. One of the people that we did have the opportunity of speaking to was Helen. Helen is one of those whose story brings home to both Mary & I the fact that Dode touches peoples lives, sometimes very deeply, and I know that she would not mi

The history of Dode is not the history of Kings & Queens, of great people- it is the story, individually and collectively of ordinary everyday people, people like myself, and if you will excuse me, Karen, people like you, who recently posted a picture of your unforgettable Christmas wedding in the snow back in 2009 with the warning ‘be careful what you wish for’. I have often wished that more people had recorded their own experiences and over the years I have written, for my

Wooded and winding in the road That leads to the mystery church of Dode Hiding high on Holly Hill Holy then and holy still At first they said “just a touch of ague” But far, far worse a monstrous plague “It won’t last long” the wise ones said Hardly stopped speaking and they too were dead Nobody left to mourn or to weep The village of Dode had gone to sleep Nobody left to work or to play The farms and the cottages crumbled away Joining the villagers under the clay A tragic si

One of the interesting things about looking after Dode is that you never know who you will meet next. Over the last 30 years I must have met literally thousands of people, I have been cuddled by an exceptionally tall Bishop, earnestly discussed Dode’s future with two Archbishops, answered the phone only to discover a Princess on the other end of the line, and (inadvertently) told a Foreign Sectary who had turned up unannounced that I was too busy to talk to him. Yesterday I a