A local resident ‘went back in time’, and revisited St Nicholas Church.
When Helen sent us these photos, she told us why the churchyard means so much to her:
‘I’ve always loved listening to church bells! I’m not a religious person at all – but I love old buildings and history.
When I was a little girl, my Dad used to take me down to Radstock (on a Sunday morning) to get his newspapers from ‘Isherwoods’ newsagent.
Knowing that I love the bells Dad would take me to the churchyard on the way home, and we’d sit on the low wall – just along from the main gate.
I remember the bells being so loud suddenly, – but I was never scared, because I had Dad and ‘Dolly’ with me.
We’d always look at the sundial. Dad would lift me up onto his shoulders so that I could see it properly, – but I never worked out how to tell the time by it.
My passion for history probably started in that church yard, too.
I would try to read the epitaphs on weather-worn tombstones, – and often imagine the lives of the people who walked through the gate before I had. Perhaps I WAS a ‘strange child’? – But I don’t think so. I was just creative, and curious about lots of different things.
The peace and quiet of a churchyard was a good place to let my imagination run riot, – and it did!
Although I’ve never left the area, I haven’t been back to the churchyard until recently, when I went with my husband.
We sat on the low wall, in the same spot as I had all those years ago.
It was a beautiful day, – and (although there were no bells ringing), it brought back so many memories.
Originally, I took these photos for Dad, – sending him a message which said, ‘Look where I am’?!
Time passes, but some things stay the same’.
(All photos by: Helen Sims)
