If I'm short of a blog subject (not too often the case) I usually revert to pictures of my locality.
Seeing as I pass through this churchyard at least twice a day, it's a handy subject for a snap.
Amazingly we've had Daffs since well before Christmas, but at the moment they're at their best.
The red door is the entrance to The Bell Tower. The ringers practice on three Monday evenings each month, and play at least two peels on Sunday mornings starting at about 9.45 am. There is a flat tombstone right opposite the door, where Billy and I often sit and listen to the bells. Nothing could be more 'English'.
On the far side of the church is a large grassy 2 acre 'field', where dog walkers exercise their pooches. Much like the 'Peace Garden' where I take Billy for his first walk of the day, the churchyard is filled with friendly folk who greet us warmly. As I was taking the above photo, two very attractive young ladies shouted "Good Morning" at me. They were both dressed in Gym kit, so we had an amusing short Gym-related conversation before they continued on their way 'giggling'.
This is why I love Brighton so much. There is a genuine sense of community here. I don't know if it exists throughout the city, but in our little 'village' area it's palpable.
That prospect of listening to church bells is getting to be rarer as more old churches are decommissioned and few new churches have bells. Just another part of our lives being sacrificed.
ReplyDeleteI think there are about 8 ringers, and they do a really good job. It's a pleasure to sit and listen.
DeleteThe church and the daffodils make a wonderful photo. It would be the perfect place to sit and listen to the church bells with man's best friend. I remember those peaceful church yards from days gone by.
ReplyDeleteYou live more in a village than a big city. You know you 'belong' to your community when the locals know and greet . It's a warm friendly feeling.
The church is the original 'Village Church' of old Brighton, and the immediate area still has a village feel about it. Not too nice this morning, so I spoke to no-one; a very rare occurrence.
DeleteI like churches, they are easy to look at and massed daffodils are a favourite too. Those in the picture look like they have plenty of room to multiply.
ReplyDeleteThey look really beautiful at the moment, and, luckily, no-one picks them.
DeleteI think all cities have communities that are like villages within cities. I remember a friend of mine telling me that her mother who lived in Barnes, South London describing it to me like it was a small village where everybody helped each other.
ReplyDeleteIt was like that in Chelsea too, back in the mid 60's. People would greet you in the street, with the advantage that many were well known faces!
DeleteIt is a year now since we moved here into town and it is a welcoming feeling to receive a smile and a greeting from people we don't yet know but that we pass regularly on our walks.
ReplyDeleteOur daffs are all coming out now too.
It's a very warm feeling, being a 'local' and being regularly recognised.
DeleteThe great thing about daffodils is they multiply well and squirrels don't eat them.
ReplyDeleteThe trouble with church bells is that it costs a fortune when they need to be refurbished. Village churches tend to have small congregations - after the Parish Share has been paid there isn't much money left over. That is even assuming that the full parish share can be paid.
There are plenty of Squirrels about, Billy loves to chase them! We have a peel of 10 bells here which were all re-cast in 1922. They are said to be the finest in Sussex. They certainly sound very good.
DeleteFIRST GIRL I love mature men like that.
ReplyDeleteSECOND GIRL He was so dashing wasn't he with that cheeky beard!
FIRST GIRL I know he's old enough to be my grandfather but I would!
SECOND GIRL (giggling) I would too!
FIRST GIRL If we see him some other time let's get him back to our flat!
SECOND GIRL (still giggling) It would be such fun!
FIRST GIRL I hope he's not married.
That kind wouldn't mind if he was married, causing trouble and having fun, they are not looking for a husband.
DeleteYou know YP, that's exactly what I thought they were thinking.
DeleteYes, just last night I counted you are only 6 years older than me.
DeleteMy first husband - a painter like you - used to hate the word 'nice' - if anyone said it about one of his pictures he would always say 'damned with faint praise' but I have to say Cro that is such a nice, heart-warming picture and post that for a moment I can admire it and not look out at the sleet falling!
ReplyDeleteVery light rain here, which is probably worse than a good downpour. I'm just off to take Billy through the churchyard again.
DeleteThe churchyard daffodils are beautiful and make a lovely arrival to the church. You've settled in to a great community of people. I've always found walking with a dog always encourages friendship.
ReplyDeleteI would advise it to anyone wanting to make instant friends.
DeleteWonderful post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gemma.
DeleteThose daffodils are very cheerful.
ReplyDeleteThe nearest local church to here is a new-build and the bells are just a recording. Thankfully they don't record the hours - just used to call the dwindling numbers of faithful to prayer. I'm glad not living near enough to hear them - apparently they sound awful.
In France our village bells are now 'computerised'. No more bell-ringers; just a machine. But at least they're real bells!
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