Paula Griffiths's book of poems

A collection of poems, "This is the Only Moment: Poems from a Journey" by Rev’d Paula Griffiths.

This book of 29 wide-ranging poems includes an appendix giving a very interesting and helpful context in which each of the poems was written.

Paula moved to the Saffron Walden area in 1999 with her husband Roger after years in London, where they were both born, and quickly felt delight in the new space and beauty around them.  Many of the poems are rooted in the natural world around Saffron Walden: others reflect events which affected all our lives, beginning with 9/11 and the Iraq War of 2003 and the beginnings of greater awareness of climate change; yet others reflect events in her previous career dealing with cathedral and church buildings - including the commuting experience! All are part of a personal journey, which led to ordination and 12 years of service with the Saffron Walden and Villages Team Ministry. Paula retired in June 2021 and is now a member of the retired clergy team supporting the churches.

Paula says: “After I retired last summer, I felt I wanted to share this collection of poems with others. Coming to live in a rural setting near Saffron Walden, experiencing the strong sense of community here, and seeing how the countryside changes day by day really helped root me in the wonders of creation as we made new friends here. I hope you too may enjoy them.”

Rev’d Jeremy Trew, Team Rector, said, “It is a pleasure to work and walk alongside Paula, who has a gift of reflecting on the ordinary as well as the extraordinary, and turning this reflection into verse; sometimes gentle, often poignant.”

All proceeds from the sale of the book will support the churches of the Saffron Walden and Villages Team Ministry.

Copies, which costs £5, can be obtained from Harts Bookshop, the Tourist Information Office, by prior arrangement from St Mary's Parish Office (email office@stmaryssaffronwalden.org and phone number 01799 506024), or direct from paula.greatford@btinternet.com.