See how the shiny roof of Birmingham’s New Street station reflects the bright winter firmament so well that it can barely be distinguished from the sky above. Yet at dawn, the following day, when I went to catch my return train, it merely reflected the dim and tawdry lights of the street beneath.
The Hermitage is a Scheduled Ancient Monument near Dale Abbey in the county of Derbyshire. Around 1130, a baker in Derby called Cornelius had a dream, in which the Virgin Mary (the mother of Jesus) told him to go to Depedale (the old name for this place) and worship God. The baker responded to this call and came here. He dug the cave in the hillside and lived in it for about 20 years.
St Paul’s Church at the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is another handsome, Georgian place of worship within the bounds of our second largest city. It was constructed for, and likely paid for, by the town’s manufacturers and merchants, including the famous pioneers of the industrial revolution, James Watt and Matthew Boulton who had their own pews.
Birmingham seems to be awash with curious little museums. Yestermorning, I called at Bournville to see Cadbury World, the chocolate Christmas Tree of which I picture, above. Back in Birmingham proper, I darkened the door of the Pen Museum in the city's Jewellery Quarter, below, where pens and writing implements of various designs and types are displayed for inspection.
01282 540 562
pastor @ martintop. org .uk
Salem Chapel, Martin Top
near Rimington, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 4EG
Salem Congregational Chapel is a registered charity No. 252401 (England & Wales)
Sunday Worship 10.45am & 6.00pm