I would like to start this month by quoting the memorable words of John Keats in his poem ‘Ode to Autumn’, written at the beginning of the 19th Century.
‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom friend of the maturing sun’
What Keats is referring to in those familiar words is the gentle advance into the autumn months marked in particular on the 23rd of September by the Autumnal Equinox. The word ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin ‘aequus’ (equal) and ‘nox’ (night).This is the date that marks the point when the sun crosses the celestial equator and day and night sit roughly at equal lengths across most of the planet. I think we all experience the change in the light and the feel of the sun and the low mists across the fields in the early morning as something more welcoming and enjoyable after the intense heat of the summer months.
As a bonus this month we should (weather permitting) be able to enjoy a Harvest Moon which will appear on the 26th of September and is so named as it is the full moon which falls closest to the Equinox. This moon rises in the east shortly after sunset for several nights in a row, giving extra hours of bright moonlight just as evening falls. Before electric lights were invented, farmers relied on this steady evening light to finish gathering their crops before the shorter days of autumn arrived. Throughout history, the Harvest Moon has carried cultural and spiritual meaning. In many traditions it is a symbol of abundance, renewal and reflection and it’s soft light offers a sense of calm and continuity through the autumn months and into winter. Today it’s still gives us a moment to pause, look up and appreciate the beauty of the skies above.
Although most of the harvesting has been done in our area, we will be holding our Harvest Festival as usual in October. More about that in the next newsletter but in the meantime it would be kind of you to donate any dried goods or household items (washing powder, soap, shower gel, shampoo etc which will be donated to the Besom food bank in Witney. Gifts can be left in the church or with me if it’s easier.
And before I finish, I must congratulate Edward and Stephanie on their marriage at St Mary’s last Saturday. It was a beautiful day for a wedding and the church looked magnificent bedecked in traditional English flower arrangements. And the bride was attended my a maid of honour and four delightful little bridesmaids ranging from age 2 to 6 years old who all behaved impeccably. Our warmest best wishes go to the bride and groom and we wish them a long and happy life together.
Lene Bussell
As I write this we have had some long awaited rain. The land has certainly been parched, and the farming year continues to be disrupted by some unusual weather over the last few years. Some might say, “That is enough rain” already, whilst others will declare that “We need a lot more”. As we begin the season of autumn, we are in a season of change. Kids and teenagers return to school, often with their new shiny shoes, a little older and perhaps wiser, with their own worries, hopes and expectations. We have our own lives to reflect on as well during this season of change, and may start to consider how we will spend the next few months with friends and family as soon Advent will be upon us. We may be already be thinking about the new year and what things we might to differently. It has been said that “Change is inevitable, but growth is optional.”
You are also warmly invited to the biennial Corporate Communion, Lecture and Dinner at Christ Church Cathedral and College on Wednesday 30 September from 4.30 pm – 9.15 pm. There is a small charge of £17.50 for the whole event, which includes dinner in the Great Hall of the College. Do email Rev Barry for details. We have a lot of people from the two other parishes in the benefice who have signed up already!
Best regards,
Rev Barry
Team Rector