As a nation, we spend a great deal of our time and money on our gardens. On Sundays, large numbers go and visit Garden Centres. Is this, I wonder, linked to a wish to improve our own little bit of space and tranquility in a stressful and troubled world? That may be part of it. What is certain is that if we do not take time to be quiet, to reflect, and take stock of our lives, we lay ourselves open to burn out, depression or one of the many stress-related conditions to which we are all becoming prone.

Christian people talk of the importance of putting God first in their lives through prayer and spiritual reading. In order to do this, we need to put aside times of quiet. Jesus Christ, we read, often went away from the crowds to quiet places in order to be alone with God, his father. In fact, he sometimes spent whole nights in prayer before making important decisions. He also went to quiet places with his disciples. Today, more than ever, in our very fast-changing society, where there is also much fear, we need to reconnect with our centre in order to find peace. This is true whether or not we call ourselves religious.

For some time, a group of us at St Mary's have been meeting for silence, prayer and meditation in the garden building of our home, The Bowling Green in The Downs. We now feel that the time has come to open to others the garden, the building and another room which has been converted into a small Chapel. What we offer is hospitality for prayer and reflection, reading, or simply being in the presence of God, however you conceive him. I, or someone else, will be available if you want to talk, be prayed with, or meditate, or you can spend the time on your own. Tea and coffee making facilities are available. No charge will be made but donations towards expenses are welcome. The Quiet Garden will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by prior arrangement. Please telephone 01371 872662.

Rosemary Drew