24/09/2025
‘Goodbyes are not forever’.
One of the things that has always facilitated and intrigued me about old buildings is their doorways, not the design or the architectural style but the simple ‘hole in the wall’ through which generations of people have passed.
Dode’s doorway is no exception, it doesn’t take too much imagination to drift back almost 1000 years and relive the wonder and awe of those villagers who must have attended the inaugural service, the happiness of a young couple about to be married or the pride of new parents carrying their first child through the door for a christening.
Time inevitably moves on and, within past and more recent years, many stories have been etched into the very fabric of our little building.
One such story, which began a few years ago is Becky’s - someone that Mary and I had known since childhood and who chose to married at Dode . Following the ceremony, it was both my pleasure and privilege to conduct her and Paul’s hand fasting.
Her love and enthusiasm for the place was self evident and when, not too long after, Mary became seriously ill and unable to look after the administrative side of things, Becky stepped in. With fresh ideas and determination she brought the new energy of a different generation.
As I said, time moves on and after eight years Becky has decided that her future lies elsewhere.
Both Mary, I, and Dode will miss her - it simply won’t be the same without her, or indeed being greeted by her beautiful and precious dog Cooper or her often cheeky and always engaging eldest son Toby, as I pull into the car park.
So thank you Becky for everything , for stepping in so enthusiastically when we needed you, for putting up (not always willingly) with my moods, but most importantly for always putting Dode first.
Another chapter written in its very long story. A new and perhaps intriguing chapter beginning, a new face at the helm of which more on another day, but today belongs, with love and thanks, to Becky.
Bright Blessings - Doug.
