Personal report about the Alnmouth retreat 28-31 October 2022

Posted: 17.11.22 in Latest bird news category

Some months ago, I watched a “Songs of Praise” programme from Northumberland which featured a birdwatching retreat. I was immediately drawn to this and felt it was “for me”, so after some internet searching, came across “Even Sparrows” and contacted Mark Winter. Despite hesitations such as how I would get to Northumberland from North Wales, the appeal was so strong that I took the plunge and booked for the “Look at the Birds” retreat in Alnmouth in October. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I’m convinced that God led me to see the programme and subsequently guided me to Northumberland.

Prior to the event, my birdwatching had been limited to looking at garden birds from the comfort of my home by taking part in the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch each January, and a half-hour weekly watch for the BTO. Thanks to Mark, Adrian and other members of the group, I saw many different birds, including a rare Pallid Swift when I became a “twitcher” for a short while - great excitement!!

I loved the worship aspect of the weekend, with morning, midday, and evening prayers, each including periods of silence which I found particularly moving. The midday prayers on the Sunday, outside in warm sunshine, overlooking a lake at Druridge Bay nature reserve, listening to and watching the birds was an unforgettable experience. In addition, we had times of reflection where we looked at birds in the Bible, and visited Alnmouth Friary for tea and cake, and joined the brothers for their evening prayer.

Accommodation at Nether Grange was excellent, with comfortable rooms, good food and friendly staff, and I was very impressed with my first visit to the beautiful Northumberland coast.

With our common bond of love for birds and for their - and our - Creator, it was easy to feel “at home” with the other members of the group and I look forward to seeing some, if not all, of them again on the next Birdwatching Retreat in May 2023, which I have already booked!

Pat Squire