Listening to music and lyrics is a pleasant pastime and often emotionally uplifting In the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “The Sound of Music,” Maria comforts the von Trapp children during a frightening thunderstorm with a song based upon her favourite things. Whereas, one of the many outstanding hits of the Beatles, “In my life,” reminds us of the symbolic value of physical places. Husthwaite, Sutton Bank and Filey beach have a magical effect on my spirits.
Husthwaite is a very special village. It has a great mix of interesting houses and meticulously cared for gardens, with a beautiful church and a traditional green. More importantly, it has a rich history of community and a deep soul. The experience of a childhood there never leaves you. Back in the day, there were such larger-than-life characters who made a massive impact. The older generation especially, had a kind word and a telling phrase that was intended to help young ones as they set out on life’s adventures. For those with Christian faith, worship in a unique, centuries old building, with home spun organists, singers, and preachers of considerable talent, meant there was a peaceful sense of belonging – a place to feel at home that was eternal.
Another stroke of good fortune, was that many parts of the village give an atmospheric view across myriad-coloured fields, hedges, and streams up to the glorious hill carving of a White Horse. It was an absolute privilege to enjoy this sight early every morning – sometimes shrouded in mist and emerging through the sunrise. An even better vista, when you are there at altitude – is looking down at the panorama in reverse. It is an awe-inspiring place to walk and take in the Yorkshire air and near heavenly sights. The gliders soaring above draw your attention to the fluffy clouds with the beams of glorious light and their striking shapes.
About an hour away with pleasant routes to traverse, lies the little coastal town of Filey. Here we find a beach of considerable size and a treasure trove of delights. Happy little children with buckets and spades digging holes, building sand castles, paddling and jumping the waves in a free way - just as always - generation to generation. Dog walkers strolling along with their excited charges chasing balls and straying into the sea. Runners and walkers alike enjoying the superbly soft and smooth sand that feels as luxurious as a Hollywood red carpet. The cocktail of fresh air and breezy (sometimes very breezy) coolness on your forehead, bright sunshine in your eyes, drifting in and out with the perpetual rhythmic and reassuring sound of the waves, is an experience rarely matched and hardly ever excelled.
Thankfully, these places are etched in my mind and are a delightful touchstone for looking back to loved ones, finding rest in the present and offering confidence in the future for those who follow.
Peter Hutchinson