#SignsofHope in troubled days. St Stephen’s, Willington. Lovely Spring flowers in the churchyard, beauty within including a warm friendly congregation. A pleasure to celebrate Mass here today.
The 16.00 to Stanhope waiting to depart from Bishop Auckland West today.
1903 North Eastern railway Electric Autocar described at electricautocar.co.uk
Second section of my Camino Lent walk done today with Stuart and Bob. From the shrine of St Cuthbert to Sunderland Bridge, via St Oswald's Church, Hollingside Lane and along the banks of the River Browney. Weather fine, ground very 'clarty.' (Sponsorship link: www.justgiving.com/page/ian-gom... )
I've walked the first section of the Finchale Camino, starting at St Godric's grave and reaching Durham Cathedral. Your encouragement, and your sponsorship, for this Lent walk are both welcome. Do read about the first section here: retiredrector.blog/2026/02/23/s...
#SignsofHope ☺️
Primroses brightening a walk along the River Skerne in Darlington this morning. #SignsofHope 🙂
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Ash Wednesday today. Lent starts. If you can please sponsor me on a sponsored walk for Mary's Meals. www.justgiving.com/page/ian-gom...
Morning walk over Cockfield Fell and along the #Gaunless small amount of snow still around.
Lovely to see this colourful chap on my birdfeeder this morning
A medieval illustration of a hedgehog with grapes skewered on its spines
It was believed in medieval times that hedgehogs had spikes so they could roll over fruit to carry home to their children, which is not true but is a really cute idea
Thought provoking words on a paving stone in Cannon Street, London
Snowing now in Bishop Auckland ❄️
Lovely to look out on!
In praise of Richmal Crompton, my January author of the month. See: retiredrector.blog/2026/02/01/j...
I'm on a quest to find the best cheese scones in my home area of County Durham / N Yorks.
BUT a foray into Scotland gave me wonderful ones @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk Lovely texture, fresh and warm and served with crowdie and chives. I gave them 9.5/10 - hughest score yet 👏
Our country and our communities are full of places of worship that are open to everyone. They provide so much, and they should be celebrated.
And they don't judge you if you turn up in your mucky work clothes 🤭 🩷
Lovely snowdrops nr. Hawick.
… Water everywhere this morning on a walk along the Tees. Lovely snowdrops too.
Yes indeed! Evocative of childhood for me. These on the banks of the Tees today.
Good morning! A lovely morning sky in Bishop Auckland
River #Tees at Cleasby this morning. Partly frozen.
Fresh and bright.
Mine comes down on January7th - remains up for Epiphany!
Becoming an armiger!
retiredrector.blog/2026/01/02/b...
Enjoyable walk today. From Greta Bridge to Brignall old church and further along the Greta and back via Brignall village. The ruined medieval St Mary's Church at Brignall is such a quiet and peaceful place - "Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife"
Lovely game of Bezique, a rather forgotten card game.
