Rev. Jez Barnes joins Simon to explore the theme of Christmas traditions, reflecting on the deeper meanings of the season amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. They discuss the importance of community, the mixed emotions that can arise during the holidays, and the themes of hope and light found in the Christmas story. Jez shares insights on navigating these feelings with kindness and grace, contrasting the concepts of karma and the unconditional love represented by Christmas.

Takeaways

• Christmas traditions bring communities together.
• The holiday season is a time for reflection.
• It's important to acknowledge mixed emotions during Christmas.
• Hope and light are central themes of the Christmas story.
• Christmas offers a message of grace and unconditional love.
• Navigating the pressures of the season requires kindness.
• The contrast between karma and Christmas highlights grace.
• Receiving love and grace can be challenging but transformative.
• Books can provide valuable insights during the holiday season.
• Traditions can help ground us in the true meaning of Christmas.

Links:

Graham Tomlin article

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Chris Walker, the Director of Drama, discusses the recent production of 'Into the Woods'. Along with Simon, they discuss the creative challenges of staging the musical, the importance of teamwork among students of different ages, and the resilience and enthusiasm of young performers. Chris shares insights on the role of backstage crew, the significance of kindness in the drama department, and the future of drama at the school, emphasising the need for continued support for theatre attendance.

Takeaways

• Chris Walker emphasises the importance of creativity in choosing productions.
• The unique staging of 'Into the Woods' presented various challenges.
• Enthusiasm in young performers can outweigh the need for talent.
• Teamwork is crucial in a school musical, fostering relationships across age groups.
• Resilience among students is remarkable, balancing academics and performance.
• Nerves can enhance performance energy and focus.
• The backstage crew plays a vital role in the success of productions.
• Encouraging families to attend theatre is essential for its survival.
• Future productions will continue to challenge students creatively.
• The drama department is open to student-directed performances and ideas.

In this conversation Dale Gleed shares his journey as Head Groundsman at Dauntsey's, discussing the diverse responsibilities that come with the role, the importance of sustainability, and the changing perceptions of groundskeeping. He reflects on his love for the countryside, the significance of first impressions in a school environment, and offers insights into how busy parents can reconnect with nature. Dale emphasises the need for a balance between aesthetics and biodiversity, showcasing the evolving attitudes towards environmental stewardship.

Takeaways

• Dale Gleed emphasises the importance of first impressions in a school setting.
• His journey into groundskeeping stemmed from a love for sports and the outdoors.
• Sustainability is a growing concern among students and staff at schools.
• Dale manages a diverse environment, including sports pitches and woodlands.
• He believes in proactive planning for seasonal changes in groundskeeping.
• The role of a groundsman is multifaceted, involving various responsibilities.
• Dale has planted nearly 300 trees during his tenure at Daunsey's.
• There is a shift towards accepting less manicured landscapes for biodiversity.
• He encourages people to take time to appreciate the countryside around them.
• Dale reflects on how his childhood environment shaped his appreciation for nature.