What if the new government were to pledge to provide for every community in the land a sturdy and spacious building in which the public might seek comfort at times of crisis?
What if these buildings were on a grand scale, with ample seating for visitors and plenty of space to wander about in?
What if each one was uniquely beautiful, built from local materials to blend in with their setting, and decorated with paintings, carvings, and fresh flowers to please the eye and lift the spirits?
If that proposition sounds wildly extravagant in our straitened financial times, you can stop worrying about the impact it might have on your income tax bill or the National Debt, because we already have such buildings in every single parish.
Yes, you’ve guessed: I’m talking about parish churches. I reckon if we didn’t have parish churches already, we’d need to invent them.
- Anyone may enter these beautiful, calming, safe spaces.
- No gatekeeper will ask to see your membership card.
- No-one will check your ID.
Increasingly churches are open all day, at least in the spring and summer months. If you want to visit when the doors are locked, you can usually gain access on request.
That’s just how the Church of England wants its churches to be: accessible to all, and not only during religious services.
I was surprised to learn recently that their insurers agree. They believe these beautiful old buildings, as an important and valuable part of our national heritage, should be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible.
When on holiday, I like to visit local parish churches as a tourist to enjoy their aesthetics and acquire a flavour of the communities they serve. They’re also often a great source of secondhand books!
Closer to home, knowing I can visit our parish church of St Mary whenever I like is a comforting thought.
In September, it helped me process the sad news of the death of the Queen. I was glad to toll the bells of St Mary’s in mourning for the Queen and in celebration of the new King’s Proclamation. I was glad to take part in the special Commemoration service, to light a candle and to sign the book of condolence there.
Most of all, I was glad to spend time in a place that has witnessed the arrival and departure of all the British monarchs since William the Conqueror, and of generations of their subjects.
Spending time in St Mary’s provides a sense of perspective, of reassurance and of hope. In a constantly changing and often bewildering world, as we approach what the media keep telling us is going to be a difficult winter, it’s good to know St Mary’s is there for us all.
This post was originally written for the October 2022 edition of the Hawkesbury Parish News.
IN OTHER NEWS…
I’m pleased to announce the publication of two novels set from November to December – perfect timing if you’re seeking a cosy autumnal mystery!
Murder at the Vicarage
First, I have yet to break to the vicar that my second Sophie Sayers Village Mystery, originally published as Trick or Murder?, is being relaunched under the title Murder at the Vicarage!
The audiobook was released on 15th September by audiobook specialist Saga Egmont, named by the London Book Fair 2022 as Audiobook Publisher of the Year, to all the audiobook platforms, although it will take a little while to appear on them all as they upload new books at their own pace. Here’s the cover to look out for:
The paperback and ebook will be released by Boldwood Books, named by the Romantic Novelists’ Association last year as Independent Publisher of the Year, on 24th November. I’ll be able to share the cover of that one with you very soon.
Sinister Stranger at St Bride’s
Meanwhile Boldwood Books are poised to relaunch my second St Bride’s boarding school mystery on Tuesday 11th October, in ebook, paperback and audiobook. Again, the title is changing, but only slightly, from its original title of Stranger at St Bride’s to Sinister Stranger at St Bride’s. Here’s the stunning new cover, hand-drawn by Rachel Lawston.
More book news soon! Meanwhile, back to editing my current work-in-progress, Sophie Sayers’ eighth adventure…
I love reading your books.
Thanks for everything.
I very recently decided to re-read my copies of the St Brides books. As I have them on my kindle I selected the first one to read, I had great difficulty as it wouldn’t open. I tried for quite a while then went into the Amazon shop hoping for some info. I clicked on the new version of the book and it allowed me to read it free, I downloaded the book and had a lovely time reading it.
Then of course once I had finished the book I wanted the second one! I tried to select the book and it wouldn’t be selected. I went into the shop again and tried to do the same as with the first book, this time it is not letting me read it free, I assume I have got to buy the book again!!! I am not very happy about that and do hope that I am wrong in my assumption. Perhaps I have to wait for the new version to be out? I hope that that is the case as the books on Kindle are no different from the original we don’t really get a new cover with our book. I am hoping that there is a very simple solution to my problem and I am delighted that the third one is to be out in November, can’t wait to get it. I hope that you are going to write many more of these, I love them.
Best wishes
Mary Whittaker