oasis norfolk

Where are you going, Pooh? I’m going on an Oasis hunt, to capture a Rev Adrian.
On a windy January evening, we find Pooh far from the Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh, with his stout and honey loving demeanour, ambled along the darkened road, wisely ignoring the road closed signs, his red balloon bouncing gently behind him, Pooh couldn’t help but wonder what sort of gathering awaited him in the wonderful world Oasis.

So Pooh, who did you meet? Firstly I met Cass and Georgina S, who like me, were attending their first Oasis meeting, Hana and Samantha their second, and many members of the Oasis family; so many that I can’t remember all their names, except Rebecca, for some reason I can remember Rebecca.

What next Pooh? Next, I met The Rev Adrian, how exciting. Adrian told us a little of his life story; his time living in a religious community when still quite young, then training at St John’s College in Nottingham and serving the parishes of Mulbarton, Bracon Ash, Hethel, and Flordon since 2014. Adrian clearly loves his job……. his calling…. despite the admin, yes, the scourge of modern life, there are so many forms to fill her in the wood. It drives Piglet mad. Naturally, Adrian conducts the regular services and the events that are part of the circle of life, and spoke with real joy about building relationships with the multi generations of the same families, to becoming the glue that binds communities together. Adrian’s inner spirit, his inner light, shone brightly in the hall. A reassuring guide for his flocks’ spiritual journeys.

What else did we learn Pooh? If Adrian hadn’t been a Rector? Possibly a computer scientist, or Adrian being familiar with the bushy moustache and a white vest, perhaps a Freddie Mercury tribute act, or after his encounter with a 1942 Stearman Bi-Plane, thanks to a TV Professional, a professional stunt pilot. Does Adrian use ChatGTP to write his sermons? No but he does use AI….Adrian Intelligence!

Did you have anything to eat Pooh! Oh yes soup, soup glorious soup, bread and butter, mince pies, fruit salad and lashings of custard; not all in the same bowl of course. One complaint, no honey!!! What is a young bear to do!

Was it time for bed Pooh? Oh yes, big yawn, I had been away from Pooh Corner for too long, but before I could head home it was time to pop on the rubber gloves. Cass did an amazing job with the pots and pans, ably supported by Hana, Theresa, Jaqui and Phyllis. All you members in the set up and clear up crews, a big thank you from this little bear.

With a hum and a contented smile, Pooh continued his journey, guided by the anticipation of new adventures that awaited him beyond the familiar borders of his beloved forest.
The END
Much Love
P. x

Us Two
Wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,
There’s always Pooh and Me.
Whatever I do, he wants to do,
“Where are you going today?” says Pooh:
“Well, that’s very odd ‘cos I was too.
Let’s go together,” says Pooh, says he.
“Let’s go together,” says Pooh.

“What’s twice eleven?” I said to Pooh.
(“Twice what?” said Pooh to Me.)
“I think it ought to be twenty-two.”
“Just what I think myself,” said Pooh.
“It wasn’t an easy sum to do,
But that’s what it is,” said Pooh, said he.
“That’s what it is,” said Pooh.

“Let’s look for dragons,” I said to Pooh.
“Yes, let’s,” said Pooh to Me.
We crossed the river and found a few-
“Yes, those are dragons all right,” said Pooh.
“As soon as I saw their beaks I knew.
That’s what they are,” said Pooh, said he.
“That’s what they are,” said Pooh.

“Let’s frighten the dragons,” I said to Pooh.
“That’s right,” said Pooh to Me.
“I’m not afraid,” I said to Pooh,
And I held his paw and I shouted “Shoo!
Silly old dragons!”- and off they flew.

“I wasn’t afraid,” said Pooh, said he,
“I’m never afraid with you.”

So wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,
There’s always Pooh and Me.
“What would I do?” I said to Pooh,
“If it wasn’t for you,” and Pooh said: “True,
It isn’t much fun for One, but Two,
Can stick together, says Pooh, says he. “That’s how it is,” says Pooh.

PS ….. Adrian closed the meeting with a delightful reading of AA Milne’s Us Too. I expect to see Adrian on CBBC very soon. I’ve reproduced a version here, and hope this is OK with the AA Milne Estate; it is all over the internet for free.