The Children Are Butterflies Butterfly Release 2016
It was a record turnout this year for our Butterfly Release, our annual gathering with family and friends for lunch, fun and moments of remembrance. With some large extended groups attending this year, it had a real family atmosphere.
The Butterfly Release
The Annual Butterfly Release is the most important date in our calendar.
The butterflies were, as usual, blessed by our host the Revd John Evans, and the dedications read by Peter Wyllie. This year we dedicated and released 52 of the usual Painted Lady butterflies in memory of a lost child. It can be a poignant and emotional moment but can bring much comfort too. The weather was warm and the butterflies were eager to go this year – last year in the rain they weren’t so keen! Families gathered around, cameras were readied and butterflies were launched in a quiet moment of remembrance.
Revd John and Wendy love hosting this event for us. John was explaining to me how pleased he is to see this gathering year on year. He loves being reunited with those that he might have met for the first time in more difficult circumstances a few years ago, returning perhaps with a new baby or toddler. It proves to him that life does go on and happiness does return, but also that taking time as a family to remember “the butterflies” is so important.
Thank You
One difference this year was the enormous bonus of car parking. We are very lucky with our location within the Revd John and Wendy’s garden, but a village location does have the drawback of limited parking options, without disturbing the locals of Hollowell. Our last minute call for help was answered by Adam and Alison Cooper who live opposite in The Poplars, who mustered their horses at the top of the paddock leaving the rest of it for our use. This was a massive relief and a great help for us, and we are hugely grateful.
And a big “Thank You” to our loyal benefactors for their continued support:
To Peter Wyllie for his usual mixture of wit and reverance in leading the proceedings, to Silly Soapy for keeping even the shyest of the kiddies entertained with all sorts of toys and games, and of course to our hosts – the Revd John and Wendy, for the use of their stunning garden and John’s blessing of the butterflies.
Peter Wyllie
Silly Soapy
