Sunset Steeple

The steeple of St Gregory's church as the sun was going down on another day.

I hope you all had a good Christmas. Mine was great, but it is what you make it. Here in the UK its Boxing Day today, basically a bit more of Christmas Day! The sales start and today is being called Super Saturday, as its the first time in 11 years that Boxing Day has fallen on a Saturday. Retailers are hoping that sales today will be beat those of Christmas Eve, when 1 million pounds was being spent every minute! Recession? What recession?!

Sunday Reflection

You may need to look twice at this one, but there in the puddle is the spire of St Gregory's Church. I was quite pleased with this photo, even though a tree is slightly obscuring the full effect. Have a peaceful and reflective Sunday.

Spire On Sunday

As its Sunday today I thought I'd go with a bit of Religion. This is the spire of St Gregory's Catholic Church. I posted a photo of the doorway the other day (thanks for all the comments about that) and I promised to show a bit more. I'm not a religious person but I am always amazed by the craftsmanship that went into the building of churches and cathedrals. To think that these solid stone buildings were built hundreds of years ago, with none of the modern technology of today, its mind boggling how they did it.

Whether you're off to church today or not, enjoy your day of rest.

Church Carving

This is one picture that you must click on to enlarge, the detailed carving is amazing. It adorns the doorway of St Gregory's Catholic Church, in St James' Square. Up until 1810 the Roman Catholics in Cheltenham used hired rooms for their services, until a small purpose built chapel was erected on the Churches present site. St Gregory's was then built in stages between 1854 and 1876, following the design of architect Charles Hansom. The Grade 2 listed building now has a weekend congregation of around 1000, with about 70 people attending the daily Mass. Its good to see that this church is used regularly, unlike some of the towns others. It really is a lovely looking building, so I'll show some more of it another time.