Up and Down

It's been a tiny bit of a rollercoaster this week emotionally at times. Now I'm one who likes to keep her emotions in check whenever possible, but I've been caught out once or twice these past few days. I deal with these situations by ducking under the radar for a few minutes to give me the chance to regroup and regain my perspective until I feel ready to be with folks again.

Unusually for me [I'm a girl who loves a plan] I decided on a whim to park up and have a quiet wander around St Margaret's in Warnham when I was passing by. There was no great motivation behind the visit beyond needing a spot of calm after finishing work on Tuesday. It's a church I've been to before [it's within walking distance of GBT], but it only stood out in my mind for being fairly unmemorable. Sadly a victim of the Victorian zeal for "improvement", the interior is pleasant enough, but frankly pretty dull. My expectations were not exceeded. However, as it was sunny I thought I might as well just double check the outside to make sure I hadn't missed anything.....

Even now after all the stuff I've seen I was stunned to glance up and see this fellow gawking at me.

Where there's one normally many follow.....

This one I can't make head nor tail of, but I feel it must be older somehow. It's hidden way up on the tower and is a bit of a titch.

 My first ever "owl"...at least that's what it looks like to me. Do let me know if you think otherwise...all input greatly received!

And this one....the first foliate face I have spotted on a church within my little patch. Knowing my love of all things Greenman it felt like such a lucky find and gave me just the boost I needed.

Much as I love visiting and documenting the extraordinary and the quirky features in the more well known churches, it will always be those unplanned trips to the most unpromising ones which, when they deliver, give me the greatest thrill especially if they are local. I haven't been able to find any photos of these gargoyles and grotesques let alone a mention of their existence in the guidebook. I love being able to share these finds with anyone else who's interested.

Arilx