The Tree of Life and Oak

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 the departed should be included on the tree or have a place special to them, and the former was eventually chosen. Death is, after all, a part of all our lives.

This year, a name that is very dear to both Mary and I is included. Passing, just a few days apart, Tony Hicks and his wife Carol were interred in the Barrow in a simple ceremony. The fact that they should have chosen to spend eternity with us is so achingly appropriate. Tony’s company had, since day one provided all of the many oak ‘embellishments’ that help to evoke and maintain Dode’s ‘timeless’ feeling. From the, now wonderfully matured, frame and joinery of the Retreats - to the benches and balcony, and perhaps most importantly the beautiful oak door that was my fiftieth birthday present, which, for the first time in perhaps 600 years brought security and warmth back to the church, his loving, skilled hand is everywhere.

But, if Dode is about anything, it is about that magical, mystical thing that we call the ‘Circle of Life’. Today, Monday, it’s Tony that I remember, and we miss. But I also anticipate Wednesday, for we take delivery of our new oak table. I very much look forward to welcoming it - crafted, this time by Jack, who has slotted in so seamlessly during the last few months. That mysterious circle works its magic!

Bright Early Spring Blessings - Doug.