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Post by lugg on Apr 1, 2021 18:30:55 GMT
Of course we are still in lockdown in England (or on the roadmap to freedom, in Bo-Jo’s words ) but I was permitted to travel to Dorset as I was going to care for my grandson whilst his parents were at work. He is just starting at nursery but only has a few hours once a week at the moment. Whilst I was there I did get the opportunity to see a little of Christchurch which is about 2 miles from where my son lives in Southbourne. Christchurch is an ancient town that sits between the rivers Stour and Avon, just a mile or so from the sea. The Stour and Avon converge and create a large harbour protected by sand spit at Mudeford and a headland at Hengistbury, home to a bronze ae hill fort. There are some large areas of wetlands / marsh that surrounds it and those are a haven for wildlife –birds in particular. The sea at this point is the Solent and from Mudeford Quay you look out to the Isle of Wight. It is popular with boaters, paddle boarders, and with holiday makers. Apparently Christchurch is also a popular destination for retirees, and has one of the oldest populations in the country, with 30 per cent of residents aged over 65. Here is a pic of a map I found a Mudeford Quay that puts the area into perspective hopefully. live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081300917_db42f2b0ed_b.jpgAnyway of course this was just a fleeting visit and I can only show you a glimpse. We went to visit the priory as I wanted to see the new gargoyle. The info below is amalgamated from a various internet sources … The Priory is one of the few monastery churches to have survived Henry VIII’s rule and is reputed to be the longest church in England. The current building of Christchurch Priory was built in the 11th century, although the medieval roof (around the 800s) still exists and is visible above the newer one. The roof includes the Miraculous Beam which lies above the south aisle and was once the object of pilgrimages; the medieval builders found that a vital beam was too short but when they returned the next morning it was miraculously not only the right length but also in the right position! There was a mysterious carpenter who had worked and eaten alone during the project. The following day the builders returned and found the beam was now fitted in place. The unknown carpenter was never seen again, and the story came to be that it was Jesus Christ who had intervened. (There is some debate about whether this legend gave Christchurch its modern day name, having previously been known as Twynham) So here we are – a few photos of what we saw. live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081298902_8e8b427430_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080506313_69f1936759_b.jpgI had read that the salmon weather vane was used as a sign to warn smugglers about excise men – but no information about how it worked. live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081201686_a0a0fde7a0_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081203841_d8605757ee_b.jpgI think these next two show some of the architecture in the oldest parts of the priory live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081204306_e153e3fb14_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081297587_790ed28c4c_b.jpgThe various clock faces were impressive live.staticflickr.com/65535/51080509193_122fb850a8_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51012021745_32f936e5f6_b.jpgOne day I will go back and explore the graveyard and the remembrance gardens live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081297742_2fbd5f908e_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081204091_1367987408_b.jpgWhen we first arrived we chatted to one of the church wardens and he told us that only part of the priory was open for private prayer …but that we should not to miss the opportunity to have a quick look inside.. so we did sneak a peek ( after checking that there was no-one else inside) live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081298122_fd72546e82_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081298057_faf1c29e9f_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081204611_12a288370b_b.jpgFrom what I saw it looks like a place to explore further when life returns to normal live.staticflickr.com/65535/51080508423_29e985a284_b.jpgEnzo appeared to be quite awe struck and just looked around at his surroundings very quietly and with great interest, of course he has never been in a place so huge before due to Covid. In March 2021, (a gargoyle) or carving of a mask-wearing NHS worker was placed on the priory as a permanent tribute to the National Health Service's efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Carved by Rory Young, the stone feature is part of an on-going project to replace damaged gargoyles and grotesques. The concept was inspired by a photograph of a doctor in an intensive care unit, wearing her PPE at the beginning of the pandemic, an image to represent all NHS workers for centuries to come.
As we walked around the scaffolding and plastic sheeting indicated where the most recent renovations were taking place, live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081297042_069cc8bd08_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081203786_9771a5da1c_b.jpgAnd here they are – the NHS tribute plus some other new additions and/or restorations live.staticflickr.com/65535/51080507373_5a2e1c4ab4_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080507078_9f0ec50e9a_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080507193_601e43480a_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081296447_de41cedf7b_b.jpgI thought it was a great tribute and also will remind generations of the pandemic , although maybe by then they will be commonplace ? So that is all I have of the priory for now but here is a glimpse of the harbour and the coast from the priory .. live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012018965_cfed766822_b.jpgI did go down to the quay to buy some fish another day. More to come.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 1, 2021 19:08:28 GMT
This is such a treat, Lugg! I'm sure you were excited and thrilled to see Enzo, but it must also be a thrill to be in different surroundings for a change. Looking at what I just wrote, I thought back to what you said about "will remind generations of the pandemic." I'm wondering if younger people reading this thread in say, seven years will even know to what we're referring.
Of course the sculptures both old and new are wonderful, as are your pictures of the Priory. I love those criss-crossing arches and the surrounding grounds. Yes, I felt a little like Enzo looking around the soaring interior. Am I a Philistine for thinking that super-modern "He is risen" mural is somewhat jarring? I adore your "through" pictures -- the one through the iron gate & the other through the trees looking toward the harbor.
Very much anticipating more!
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Post by fumobici on Apr 2, 2021 4:11:52 GMT
Lovely old church, the interwoven arches along the base are an interesting architectural motif I've never seen before.
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Post by mossie on Apr 2, 2021 6:46:59 GMT
An excellent little stroll through history, ancient and modern, thank you.
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Post by kerouac2 on Apr 2, 2021 9:31:11 GMT
Nice little visit with great photographs. I'm sure Enzo was thinking "is she going to leave me here?"  |
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Post by tod2 on Apr 2, 2021 13:44:35 GMT
Lugg you always show amazing photos. I'm betting it took you quite some hours to select the ones you are showing us! Thank you so much for a wonderful tour.
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Post by lugg on Apr 2, 2021 19:51:14 GMT
Thank you all Am I a Philistine for thinking that super-modern "He is risen" mural is somewhat jarring? You are never a philistine of course Bixa - my photos probably did not do justice to this . For me maybe the subject is not to all tastes, but the colours shone out and led the eye down the nave. I'm sure Enzo was thinking "is she going to leave me here?"  of course that would never be on the cards . However he did crash out on our return, ignoring his paella. . live.staticflickr.com/65535/51091117345_3be7358da8_w.jpgLovely old church, the interwoven arches along the base are an interesting architectural motif I've never seen before. It is Norman of course, but I have no other info other than the circular part houses the staircase inside, but I did wonder if the ground level has changed over the centuries, the photo that shows the window is very low to the ground. I'm betting it took you quite some hours to select the ones you are showing us! Thank you so much for a wonderful tour. Thank you but Tod with a 1 year old its just a quick snap so not many to choose from at all . |
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Post by mickthecactus on Apr 3, 2021 6:25:33 GMT
That's a great picture lugg!
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Post by lugg on Apr 6, 2021 7:15:59 GMT
So Enzo was in nursery for a few hours and I wanted to get some fish for dinner. I headed to Mudeford Quay which is on the coastal area of Christchurch harbour. Looking across the harbour, from here you can see the priory from the coast live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081300722_3f4aaccd3d_b.jpgOther views of the harbour itself. live.staticflickr.com/65535/51080510933_2cb989c68c_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081215066_4082d3aef3_b.jpgNot many out sailing today, live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012023645_fe9495ccf1_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081307212_2c0d65c5ed_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080517838_cf7fda0b0c_b.jpgLast August my sis and I had a lovely dinner here for her birthday, now it’s all shut up of course . live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012023900_8c45815225_b.jpgThe last time I was here it was buzzing with life , children crabbing from the quay , today it was fairly quiet , perhaps because it was a grey blustery day but mainly, I guess, due to Covid . Work was being done on what I presume are holiday lets, live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012037540_9fb43f81d1_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081208001_5d20548d64_b.jpgAnd the other side , live.staticflickr.com/65535/51080518868_e4559ebbd2_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51012031200_340e1d82c5_b.jpgAnd so to the sea front itself. I don’t know why but I am always surprised when I see swans on the sea as I always think of them as a freshwater bird. live.staticflickr.com/65535/51080517198_e4f85241fc_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081303892_b94e280f89_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081304497_940ee373d5_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51012027860_7060b1fdaa_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51012023445_b64d9019a4_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081299537_98947507e7_b.jpgI knew that there were some sightings of the recently reintroduced white tailed eagle here. Unfortunately it was not my lucky day but a few other bird pics, Chough ? live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012026640_16bdbd6531_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081299077_53df499d70_b.jpgRock pippet live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081299697_b86ef17672_b.jpgBlack headed gulls live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081302642_f582646be4_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080525088_353c8bba98_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080524208_856aa93bf3_b.jpgand closer … live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012022920_e2d67f22dd_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51012037140_0c51328c8b_b.jpgThe harbour is protected by the sand spit – here are some of the most expensive beach houses in England live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012027230_0e57c3c1a0_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081205631_3ff5f8e643_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081209571_d3d3349dce_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080513528_361294cd74_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51012028185_0260c16bee_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080512348_83e32df64e_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081300872_04a401ab31_b.jpgHow much would you pay for one ? Here is one for sale … www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19115234.beach-hut-sale-325-000-mudeford-sandbank/Anyway I had come for fish. I walked past along the quay, past the eerily quiet café and pub , empty lobster and crab pots and bought some of the freshest fish I have tasted . live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081207361_86dc2a9fd1_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081306157_8a80aeb994_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081212496_9583a67872_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081212326_380fe88127_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081212146_af53180acf_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080512618_a868420340_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51080512018_7c55a88182_b.jpgThat’s all for now. I will just finish with what I guess is a tribute to a member of the local RNLI as it was behind the RNLI building ? live.staticflickr.com/65535/51081306622_dd4aa18c48_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081214121_1cd076b7e1_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51012030735_46984f6130_b.jpglive.staticflickr.com/65535/51081213971_b904131877_b.jpg |
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Post by onlyMark on Apr 6, 2021 8:57:08 GMT
There's certainly a unique atmosphere to a seaside place out of season. Love it, thanks.
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Post by kerouac2 on Apr 6, 2021 9:01:33 GMT
Now we need to see it during a big storm!  |
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Post by tod2 on Apr 6, 2021 9:20:07 GMT
Lugg - such lovely vistas of the harbour in all it's loneliness. I really like those black-headed gulls. I was wondering if the swans necks were that beige colour due to foraging below the water? And what a clever and very appropriate surfboard bench! My fav pick of your photos was definitely the stacked up lobster pots on the quayside.
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Post by bjd on Apr 6, 2021 11:29:33 GMT
I too have always like working ports. A more interesting atmosphere than beach resorts. Those little beach cabins are crazily expensive for what they are!
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Post by htmb on Apr 6, 2021 14:07:16 GMT
The next best thing to bring there, is seeing Christchurch through your eyes, Lugg. Thanks for this lovely little visit.
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Post by mickthecactus on Apr 6, 2021 14:38:50 GMT
Many years since I was last at Christchurch. Thanks lugg.
Maybe it will look warmer next time!
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 6, 2021 14:55:24 GMT
Wow, Lugg ~ you have surpassed even yourself with this array of photographs! Not only can we almost feel and smell the weather, but your artistic eye makes each picture a treat. You really captured how lovely and singularly itself a place can be when it's hunkered down out of season. (Or, as you point out, because of the pandemic) And you even identified the birds! Fabulous report, thank you.
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Post by kerouac2 on Apr 6, 2021 16:52:12 GMT
Am I allowed to say that I found the architecture of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Spa a bit grim? I do understand that sometimes one prefers to be utilitarian, but paint of a pleasant colour could have improved the view considerably.
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Post by mich64 on Apr 6, 2021 18:47:00 GMT
Wonderful photos as usual Lugg! Thank you for sharing your visit with us.
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Post by fumobici on Apr 6, 2021 19:03:04 GMT
The photo of the crab pots could have been taken here. Nice addition!
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Post by lugg on Apr 6, 2021 19:03:48 GMT
Am I allowed to say that I found the architecture of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Spa a bit grim? I do understand that sometimes one prefers to be utilitarian, but paint of a pleasant colour could have improved the view considerably of course you are , and I agree .... But I guess that they rest on their laurels re the views out across the harbour ... live.staticflickr.com/65535/50267790553_8a03a228b7_b.jpg |
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Post by lugg on Apr 6, 2021 19:05:00 GMT
thank you all for your comments
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