Faraway Thoughts

By Bev Carroll

As a child, there was only ever one set of books that captured my imagination – Enid Blyton’s books about the folk of the Faraway Tree. How I longed to have such a tree in my garden and to be able to visit the much-loved characters, especially Moon-face and Saucepan Man.

Alas, I thought I must settle for playing on my swing and slide. I would look longingly at next door’s apple tree and wonder what mysteries it held. Little did I know that I was soon to find a place that I could call my very own ‘Faraway Den’ – a place that has always held special memories for me.

Living near Stanley Park, our family would use it as if it was our own garden. It was a place where we grew up boating on the lake, feeding the ducks, playing crazy golf, eating ice creams … and best of all were the sunny day picnics. Our favourite location was close to the bowling greens – it always seemed sheltered there. As mum and dad prepared the picnic, we kids would head off for a game of hide and seek … and that’s when the magic would begin!

Up the grassy slope towards the thick bushes near the golf club was my domain. I can’t tell you the exact location or I’d be giving away my best kept secret! But in my mind, this ordinary place became my magical Faraway Den. No one ever found me there as I sat so still with my legs crossed. Of course no one could me because I had Moon-face and his friends acting as my look-out!

No doubt, it was only minutes at a time that I spent in my den, although it felt like ages. Eventually, Saucepan Man would always let me know that mum’s sausage rolls were ready, then I’d bid him farewell and roll myself down that grassy hill towards the picnic.

Every time I stroll passed that particular spot now, I make sure I give a passing nod to my folk in the Faraway Den. Throughout my life, I have never become an avid reader of fiction books – perhaps it’s because I could never find that same magic as Enid Blyton’s books to trigger my imagination.