Mellowdene Day

I think it is a given fact that Sylvanians are generally happy folk, grateful for the land in which they live, for the joy that nature gives them, and for the sense of community they absorb from their families and extensive network of friends. That sense of gratitude makes individuals want to reciprocate, to take care of the land and its inhabitants - and the cycle of happiness is complete.

It is not unusual for a community to feel that their home village has its own personality, and for some that sense of inclusion makes it almost a member of their own family. That's the way it is in Mellowdene.

We even have Mellowdene Day. This is a chance bring together the community to celebrate our village and each other.

I'm not sure why we hold the day at a time of year when the weather is starting to be a bit grotty. I suppose it's possible that our ancestors didn't want it to conflict with the spring's Melting Festival. A number of years ago the then mayor proposed that we hold a more formal annual ceremony, but because of practicalities this aspect became something we hold every five years.

Our current mayor - Ramsey Nettlefield - maintains the tradition, but the more subdued nature of the event feels more natural and respectful.

The village hall is used as a venue, and there are representatives of the four families who originally settled in the area all those years ago.

Last time, Howard Brighteyes, Rocky Babblebrook, Hazel Dappledawn and my brother Newton took the platform. Together they told the tale of camping by Sweetwater Lake and the months that led to the establishment of Mellowdene, a story all our native-born residents know from their schooldays. 

Of course, Newton being Newton, he concentrated on more technical aspects - how those practical rabbits of yesteryear were able to divert the overflow of the lake so that - instead of being simply one of the tributaries to the river - it provided the water supply that feeds the valley.

This act was one of the reasons that the families moved down out of the foothills and began to build Mellowdene.

We are grateful to those bunnies and their foresight.

Another consequence of Mellowdene Day is the influence on the school syllabus. Most teachers give the children a small project - to find out what their friends and family are grateful for over the past year and highlight common areas. On top of this, the children are encouraged to think about their own lives and tell their own families what makes them grateful.

In past years, Beverley and Brendan have reported back with the usual things - it's always lovely to hear "mummy and daddy" - but occasionally we are surprised. This year was one of those years.

Beverley was organised as usual. She had her notebook and stood before Cecile and me, waiting to read out her carefully prepared prose.

"Go ahead, pudding," I prompted.

"Okay daddy," she smiled.

"This year I am grateful for my family, who continue to love me, listen to me, stretch me, make me more..." - she winked at Brendan - "...tolerant, give me structure, a lovely home, forgive my lapses..." She continued in this vein for a time, extending her gratitude to the wider community, before concluding, "...and ice cream."

Brendan had been pretending to doze off towards the end of Beverley's little speech, feigning a yawn and stretching as we applauded our daughter's efforts.

"Me now?" he said, scrambling onto his feet.

"Yes please, dear," said Cecile, straightening her back to indicate rapt attention.

"Right," said Brendan, pulling out a scrap of crumpled paper he had tucked in his waistband. He affected a cough as if he was clearing his throat. "Ladies and Gentlemen, here being a considered list of stuff I'm glad about." He paused to gauge our reaction before carrying on. "Mum. Dad. Russell. Beverley. Aunt Eliza. Uncle Merlin. Snorker, Uncle Rowan,..."

He listed every relation in Mellowdene, then moved on to his friends, the first being Lucky Snow-Warren of course. As he continued to rattle off the sequence of names, I heard Cecile whisper, "How has he fit all those names on that bit of paper?" but Brendan was oblivious to the comment.

"And not forgetting Flash Gopher,  Captain Ginger Beard and his Pirate Crew, Billy the Blue Robot,..."

Beverley stared at her brother. Russell waved his arms happily when chocolate appeared in the list. Brendan nodded to his little brother at this, and as the favourite foods came to an end he added, "and thanks to my sister for reminding me of ice cream."

We thought that he'd finished but no. He extended an arm in the direction of Eliza and Merlin's rooms. "And one more important thing. I'm grateful that Orton found his way to us. He's had a rotten thing happen to him - his family and all that - but we were there for him and I'm so glad that we were there to help. And we have, I think."

He reddened slightly as he said his final words. "We love him."

Cecile wiped her eyes. Beverley ran to her brother and gave him a hug. He responded half-heartedly with a "Geroff!" but we knew he wasn't serious.

Russell giggled.

There are many reasons to be grateful. Sylvania is full of them.

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