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What on earth is a Ramble?

Many years ago, I heard the story of an American who was trying to get to grips with what the English meant by certain terms. One of these terms was ‘ramble’, which in her mind, rhymed with bramble and conjured up a vision of one of those ghastly ‘improving’ walks, the English are keen on before Sunday dinner.  Walking for miles and miles on end without a destination in mind, knee deep in mud, dogs in tow, negotiating a thorn hedge or two, thus finally scratched but un-deterred arriving back home in a good heart and with a healthy appetite.

So, in calling this blog a ‘ramble’ I am aware that the title is a little ambiguous. When we speak of a movie having a rambling plot, or listening to a rambling lecture, or even (perish the thought), hearing a rambling sermon, we usually refer to something that is hard to follow, indirect and pointless.  One dictionary defines the word ramble thus ‘to talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way’.

However, a ‘ramble’ can equally mean a pleasurable walk, an exploration, in the countryside, by the sea or even in the heart of a city, any place where it is possible to simply walk and reflect provides an opportunity for a ramble. You see, the great thing about a ramble is that far from being goal/destination or time driven a ramble is an unfolding adventure.  Like most precious things in life a ramble needs to be savoured, it really cannot be rushed. You never know what wonders await, round the next corner or in the next moment, if you rush in you might miss them all, and so you need to travel gently.

Over the years in spite of being quite a purpose driven person I have become very fond of a ramble. My first blog Rose’s Island Ramble followed a 3-month Sabbatical back in 2016 exploring spirituality on islands off of the British Isles. This was followed by Rose’s Cam Vale Ramble which arose out of a need, (during the 1st Corona lock down when all of our churches were closed for worship) to provide some spiritual resources sermons/reflections/general encouragement for people in our 6 rural parishes. Some of these rambles were inspired by walks which Alan and I, along with our ever-present companion the camera, took most days in our parishes as part of our exercise. 

Now with my latest ‘occasional’ ramble I am hoping, having stepped back from a busy ministry, to have the opportunity to explore different avenues. I am calling my blog an ‘occasional’ ramble because, far from being driven by the deadlines of having to deliver a hopefully meaningful word by the end of each week, this will be an occasional offering.

There will be thoughts, pictures, music sometimes relating to the seasons but also to other things. Most of all it will be a space to explore through image, music and a few words a series of short reflections. A time to slow down, savour and let the body catch up with the spirit. If all of this sounds good to you, I invite you to join me on my ramble.

About Rose
Rose was born in Portsmouth her family moved to Somerset when she was small.
On leaving school she studied photography and worked in the photographic trade for several years.
She was ordained in 2002 and over the past 18 years has served in various roles in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and in local parish ministry. In 2010 she was made a Prebendary of Wells Cathedral. She has been married to Alan for 36 years, together they enjoy music, cinema, cooking, walking and photography.