Location, Location, Lockdown Location by Trevor Thorn
Today we will explore an opportunity that has arisen because of the pandemic.
We will worship, in a virtual environment in a place that has been very special to us in the past. To get there in pre-pandemic times would have necessitated a two hour journey and a last minute review of weather conditions, for the place is in a remote part of Essex which had been far more accessible to us before we moved away from that part of the country.
It is a place that evokes many memories, some especially ours, some of gathering with others for worship on summer Sunday evenings. It had to be in the Summer for there are only very limited facilities there. But today there will be a technological presence sufficient to enable us to gain a sense of being present in that place which is part of our family history.
It is a place of pilgrimage - well ‘mini-pilgrimage’ on our part. It dates back to the middle of the 7th century when St Cedd made it his base on the wild Essex marshes and I have had the privilege of preaching there. In those times when we visited occasionally, I was moved to try and capture the ‘essence’ of the place both in watercolour and in verse.
I am, of course, wondering if a ‘virtual’ visit will bring fresh inspiration, possibly reflecting that right now, we couldn’t travel there even if we wanted to.
Place can be such a powerful influence on our thought patterns and maybe, just maybe this pandemic-inspired initiative will draw me back to some of the vivid memories associated with the simplest of chapel interiors and the profound sense of being in a place where Christians had built a community and worshipped 1400 years ago.
Already I am remembering that the place has had its own resurrection, having been used as a barn and only just escaped from being a target for bombing practice for the RAF. It was rescued by the efforts of a priest I came to know in the City of London.
I offer this weaving of story attached to place to invite other writers to think about re-visiting places that have been important to them in the past, if there are similar opportunities that have arisen through the difficult circumstances we are all living through.
If you want to read more about our place of pilgrimage, you will find details at https://www.bradwellchapel.org/home.html
Lovely opportunity! We have found that there are indeed opportunities in lockdown - for us, worshipping with a community of Dominicans, who give wonderful homilies full of wisdom and insight. I have also re-joined my old ACW writers' group, along with 3 others who also attend 'remotely' - as the whole group does right now. In secular terms, I have re-connected with my graduating class at school - 1967! We have gathered several times, so interesting to re-meet the sixth form as mature women and learn their stories. Also in touch with 2 of my cousins far more than would otherwise be. Though your place is very special, I have found all these valuable and enjoyable. Lockdown is very much not all bad or sad - it can be joyful and stimulating.
ReplyDeleteYes I too have found opportunities to 'visit' other churches with different traditions - and the time to form some new practices too - and experience joy during lockdown.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful thought, Trevor. At the moment it is bittersweet to think of places we would like to visit again. One day
ReplyDeleteSo interesting, Trevor, and you're right. Lockdown has restricted us in so many ways, but new opportunities have opened up too. This place looks wild and beautiful.
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