Health Walks:
There is still no immediate prospect of a restart of the York Health Walks, but a recent Zoom meeting of walk leaders considered what new features of the walks will be necessary in future: reduced numbers, obviously, and booking procedures, amongst several others
We’ll keep you posted, but meanwhile don’t forget to make the most of the wide range of walks we have available in the Benefice.
Bark
This year, climate change is producing some very strange extremes of weather, which have had a bad effect on agriculture and holidays. In compensation, however, there have been some brilliant displays of colour in the tree leaves, from Spring through to Autumn. So during the winter we won’t be able to enjoy a lavish display, but if we stop and look carefully, the bark of different trees has its own special beauty. The splendid old oak tree on the corner of Kerver Lane and Intake Lane, for example, has a gnarled, rugged aspect,
while the delicate markings of the Silver Birch on the corner of Curlew Glebe and Cedar Glade have a more delicate touch
and the Copper beech in Copper Beech Closed shows its smooth strength.
A gentle stroll around the village, observing the bark of different trees, can be a revelation. And it’s good for you too.
For a little guidance, go to the Dunnington Tree Trail, at https://dunningtonparishcouncil.gov.uk/environment/trees/dunnington-tree-trail
The Gift
with thoughts and images dreamt up by London schoolchildren
I walk through Winter’s city,
my footsteps stain the snow.
The darkness shuts like curtains.
It’s later than I know.
Dark is a heart that’s breaking,
Dark is a dream you lose.
Dark is a pounding headache
that makes the world a maze
and then a speck of something,
I see a candle-flame –
a tiny seed that flickers.
I hear Hope say my name.
The seed becomes a golden flower
of pouring light, a gift.
I need you to believe, Hope says.
It’s you makes me exist.
I feel bright feathers lifting.
I hear a tiger’s roar.
I’ve taken many forms, Hope says –
changing is what I’m for.
At Christmas-time I settle
into the shape of tree –
alive, sharp, resin rising.
Hope shines and darkness flees
and I can see a future
as clocks chime their late hour
for Hope will be our present,
and Hope will give us power.