The Caribbean Beckons

In the cruellest month of the year in England, Barbara and Rod have customarily visited Rod’s sister and brother-in-law in Barbados. As they commented to each other - “It solves the problem what to do in February!” They are aware of the tribulations, but although tough, realise that somebody has to do it!

Amongst the exciting happenings with relatives Mark and June (surnamed Edghill), in that idyllic isle, they had many interesting experiences:

• Rod engaged in many theological discussions with Canon Nicholls (now retired), Rector of St Lawrence Church, Barbados, and was invited to act as Server, to deliver the chalice and to read the Gospel there. At the services, sermons by The Bishop of the West Indies and the former Bishop of Croydon were heard.

•B & R swam with turtles, and investigated shipwrecks in the clear blue water, and had a delightful catamaran cruise on the boat “Cool Running” out of Bridgtown.

• A visit to the Graeme Hall Nature Reserve, with dancing and meals amongst the wonderful and exotic wild life.

• Much of the island folk and visitors converge on Fridays to the town of Oistins where there is a fish market and the widespread open-air-set of restaurants to savour the local fish.

• Being taken around the island by a most competent guide and taxi driver who was ever helpful to others. Amongst the further visits were to the remote River Bay, Gun Hill, Ilaro (the Prime Minister’s residence), and Andromeda Gardens.

As ever, Rod decided to put the wonderful holidays to rhyme:

Rod’s Rubaiyat in Bim*

The hosts and kinsfolk, our darling Mark and June
Welcomed from the airport, collection by taxi soon,
And whisked to 41b in delightful time
To witness the evening sunset and the rising moon.

Ah! Dover beach with glistening bodies tanning in the sun,
Whereat we swam and bathed and always had our fun.
The surfboard amateurs upturned by breaker splash
Darkening our skin colour to a glowing dun.

York House, the Edghill seat of which Palladio doth approve,
Its elegant approach, verandahs blessed and style we know and love,
What measures, sacrifices, problems seen and overcome
To bring such monumental delight - a veritable treasure trove!

To Andromed’s Garden our way by car did wend,
A little time midst exotic flowers and plants to spend.
And Whitney, in most helpful mode for the distressed
Provided gas for stranded guests their car to mend.

And Alvin, good brother a concoction he did make
Of profound punch, rum-based our thirst to slake.
Ah! Sip upon it lightly for to savour it too well,
An excess doth the mind spin and of all our senses take.

In swampen Graeme Hall the Merry-men did sing,
And to the sombre Nature Grove a levity did bring
Among the lakes, the birds the mangroves - creatures all,
Their music did provide a welcome dancing fling.

Friday night was Oistin’s night, a ‘plaice’ to get some fish.
Marlin, Dorad’ and King of Fish - they made a tasty dish.
Southern Bajans* all were there, of joy there was a rap
A tad too loud, but pleasures given as you wish!

Whether at Fishpot or the Crane Hotel, we luncheon ate
Ever’ thing was out of worldly ways for our palate.
Divers food and drink provided for our abundance
We will, with no embroidered talk, to peers relate.

St Lawrence Church our Mother Sandra well her flock did teach;
And of Seven Sacraments Bishop Wilfrid did magnificently preach.
Mind, body, spirit now be nourished,
Our souls replenished, our open hearts to reach.

At Southern Palms Hotel, the loveliest and best
Of leisure havens, the local steel band played with zest.
And wine and dance flowed ’neath the velvet sky
And Bajan music, air and sea caressed.

We skimmed the waves in Cool Run’ Cat, and played
With turtles; snorkelled, flippered, and with goggle-eye arrayed
Saw shoals, multi-hued ’mongst wreck of Bajan Queen
The memory of this magical day will never fade.

A visit to a roofless mansion, hill-capped, colonial old -
At Farley, stately home, with southern views - we’re told
The finest in the island, palm fringed and neat
Where antique beauty rests, in fealty to Apollo hold.

We swept into Ilaro, Open Day; the PM’s home of all
The Bajans. With swim pool, roman atrium and arched hall.
Stall merchandising on the lawn and terrace dances
The serenades of schoolgirl groups by Bandstand wall.

Now as we climb aboard our Excel bird
To take us home, we happy ones look forward to our third
Visit to this lovely land, February is the month to come,
And our memories are here caught in rhyme, word after every precious word.

A most memorable and overwhelming delight which is intended (DV) to be an annual occurrence!

* Bim is the colloquial term for Barbados. The people call themselves Bajans.

Rod Dawson