Visitors to our new website may have noticed a dragonfly travelling down our pages. Dragonflies, so beautifully described below, are significant in so many different cultures and we felt it was a strong symbol for Aberdour School going forward. Inspired by the magical childhood memory of Mr Simon Collins, Headmaster from 2006-2024, they also represent a lasting nod to his legacy.

The Dragonfly's Journey

From ”A Dragonfly Summer”, a collection of childhood memories written by Mr Simon Collins, Headmaster, Aberdour School 2006-2024

Dragonfly Summer

It was a small, grassed meadow no more than a couple of acres in size.  Long grasses and wildflowers sent seeds floating into the afternoon air and, in the middle of the field, shaded by trees along its far side, was a small still pond.  A multitude of wild Iris flowers grew along the water’s edge, their bright green slender leaves and vivid blue flowers reached high into the air. 

You could hear the buzz and see the flash of colours from quite a way away – the dragonflies were back! We lay down surrounded by irises and long grass, with our feet dangling in the still shallow waters and we stared up at the sky.  Flying above us were scores of dragonflies.  Some large, some small, flying on light cobweb-dusted wings of brilliant greens and blues, and all with a body the colour of petrol floating on water in sunlight.  

The return of the dragonflies, to us, meant that summer had finally arrived.  Their short few weeks of flight heralded long days of play, warm sun, swimming in the dark brown pools of the River Otter, and a world of adventures.  A time when there was no time – no clocks, no watches, just the natural pattern, tides and rhythms of day from dawn to dusk.  

This memory has always stayed strong with me; the tall blue flowers bugling at the sky, shimmering dragonflies, not a drop of wind, the sun’s heat in the air, and no sound other than that of tiny beating wings and distant birdsong.  We would stay there for hours until, finally, the setting sun would send us on our way.  

Down across the field I ran, along the dry, yellowing, sun-bleached valley, past paddling cows daydreaming in the cool of a dimming scene and followed the meandering slow-flowing stream to Tale Farm and beyond to the welcoming lights of home. 

Painted by the pupils and staff of Aberdour School for Mr Collins' retirement in December 2024

Significance of the Dragonfly