SLICE OF LIFE: Easy day at Bath

Tue, June 19, 2012 - 12:00 AM

MANY BARBADIANS are attracted to the sea and sand. Our beaches, especially quiet ones that lend to relaxation, are the haunt of many who seek a sun-drenched, unspoilt beach.

On one of our recent trips to Bath Beach in St John at the north-eastern corner of the island, we encountered various groups that cherished their day at the beach and relished quiet moments together.

There were couples, many not wanting to be identified, who found great comfort in the landscape. Some were simply glad to be together even though they enjoyed different diversions.

Catching up

For one partner it was devouring a juicy novel, catching up on the latest research in some professional pursuit, or coming to grips with the most recent gossip of some celebrity in their favourite magazine; for the other, it could have been the occasion to quietly reflect on the relationship or some recent success.

Whatever the situation, the couples seemed to enjoy each other’s company in the prevailing atmosphere.

We also encountered families, in some cases extended families, who were delighted to share special moments with those whose daily routines would normally preclude familial interaction.

One such family based at Sweet Street in Fairview, Christ Church, was clearly savouring the day all huddled together on a blanket in a shady section of the beach.

Matriarch Glaydes Searles was beaming as she relaxed with her children, grandchildren and in-laws.

The youngest member of the clan, Jherad Clarke, grabbed the role as spokesman. A true Combermerian, he proclaimed pride in his school and his family. It was apparent that Jherad was no stranger to the stage as his grandmum told us that he played drums for the band at the Church of God in Salters, St George.

The matriarch explained that the family wanted a quiet place to relax, so they had chosen Bath Beach. The spot appeared to be well chosen because they were able to enjoy one another’s company with little interference.

This was their comfort zone.

Quietly watching

A group of women, who preferred to be incognito, apart from noting that they were from the parish of St John, were quietly watching their children and other young family members in the aquamarine water even though the children had not ventured beyond the water’s edge.

Another group came with a spiritual dimension – members of the one-year-old Rock Of Ages Evangelical Spiritual Baptist Church were having a fun day to facilitate their bonding.

Bishops Carlysle Blackman and John Prescod, along with nurses Maria Dottin-Hutson and Maureen Dottin-White and Bishop Blackman’s wife Veronica, were prominent among them.

These members had come fully prepared. The food on offer out bore testimony to this – a wide array of Bajan dishes available for the taking. Bonding was surely going on.

The quiet, peaceful mood at Bath was a comfort for roving eyes and spoke volumes for the positive values still pervading this island.