I boarded HMS Victory last month, which is officially the world's oldest naval vessel still in commission, with 248 years of service as of 2026. She was gainfully employed in thrashing Bonaparte at Trafalgar in 1805 under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson.
This Hesperis was growing in our chapel border. The word means ‘of the evening’ and likely refers to the strong fragrance of the flowers as the day draws to a close.
Western culture idolises youth, but our latter days are often better than the former, for then we have wisdom and greater opportunity to serve the Lord and to bless His people.
St Oswald’s Church at Leathley, near Otley, has a remarkable Norman tower which later generations thankfully determined to leave alone, resisting the urge to decorate, enlarge or improve. I could not gain entry but the externals were reward enough. Close by are two other ancient features, each with very opposite purposes.
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