Thursday, 6 February 2025

Back to where I was

This is the post content you were meant to get before I got distracted by those gorgeous windows last time....must concentrate. However, before I dive in I just wanted to mention that the aforesaid stained glass work was done by an Irish artist called Wilhelmina Geddes [1887-1955] who, during her lifetime, was regarded as pioneering and an important figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. I am championing her contribution as her name has faded from view whilst her male counterparts continue to be lauded. Time and time again I come up against this in different areas...women's contributions being set aside and forgotten about. It greatly frustrates me.

Now to get back on topic....a short three miler of a walk near the town of Petworth  in the utterly fabulous South Downs in all that beautiful sunshine we had last Sunday. The stunning view is of Shimmings Valley says it all. We got to walk across there and then up Sugar Knob Hill [childish I know, but I'm British so have to titter to myself😁] and along Lover's Lane. With the weather being so good there was time to just stop and drink it all in. It was my first time of ever seeing a kestrel at relatively close quarters and the grey horse just quietly stood and watched us as we sauntered past.

This though was the reason I chose this route. The chance to see the Virgin Mary Spring was too good an opportunity to miss. There is something so special about being in close proximity to running water and although this one is only 25 yards off the main path it feels very calm and spiritual there. This is only the second sacred water related site I  have been to in Sussex, but having discovered there are more wells and springs I intend to seek others out.


Having made it back to the car it was still only early afternoon so 'twas time to reveal my cunning plan to Mr GBT. I hasten to add this type of reveal is a regular occurrence. My husband has played many times before and he knows to expect that I'll have something extra up my sleeve if time permits. I like to get the best out of my adventures after all all. This time by little 'add-on' was a quick drop-in to the village of North Chapel which is only a few miles up the road. My intention was to see the latest sculpture by a local artist, Nathan Blatherwick, which was installed last summer. He carved it out of a diseased horse chestnut and its position next to to the main road means that it's very visible to all passing through.



I can never resist a ghost sign nor a church for that matter [as if you didn't already know that]. Seeing as the church was next to the carving it would have been foolish not to at least check to see if it was open. The door was indeed unlocked and the inner doors were decorated with the most beautiful glass etchings inspired by the life of a former parishioner Jonathan Henty. Different images depicted his life and this one of the two angels was the one which I was drawn to. It's based upon the Mappa Mundi in Hereford and was included because he was the Chancellor of the Diocese of Hereford. 


Having finally achieved what I set out to do several days ago may I just wind it all up by wishing everyone a good weekend.

Arilx

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Back to where I was

This is the post content you were meant to get before I got distracted by those gorgeous windows last time....must concentrate. However, bef...