12022021

And the Chinese New Year, year of the Ox.

If an artist was painting stone buildings in the north west of England, he or she would need plenty of green in the palette. The damp climate means that many churches, and other buildings, have a green sheen, especially when they are in shadier situations. The green is enhances when the gutters and pipes leak.

This little gargoyle sits on St Peter's church in Newton-le-Willows, not far from where we live. We used to live much closer. It's a fine red sandstone church, sitting prominently at the head of the old High Street. It has a fine set of fine bells, and I used to enjoy the bell practice during the week and the peals on Sunday mornings. 

All over the land the peals will have gone silent, which is a real shame. How do campanologists practice at home ?