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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 13/02/2026

Our #Lent Course this year explores the Lord's Prayer, probably the first 'formal' prayer that most people learn, which we say often without stopping to think about what it really means. Each speaker will discuss a line of the prayer, with time for questions or reflections, followed Compline. ✝️

A poster for the Lent Course. LENT: Reflect, Renew, Reconnect. The Lord's Prayer: A series of talks for Lent.

25th February: Rev'd Brunel James: 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven'
4th March: Rev'd Canon Jude Smith: 'Lead us not into temptation'
11th March: Rev'd Andy Muckle: 'Give us this day our daily bread'
18th March: Very Rev'd Dr Philip Hobday: 'Our Father'
25th March: Rev'd Linda Boon: 'Forgive us our trespasses'

Each talk will start at 7pm and finish at 8:15pm. This includes a short service of Compline.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 11/02/2026

Sanctuary is a Eucharist with space for watching and waiting. With fewer words than a Sunday Eucharist, it leaves more time for reflection, accompanied by gentle music and silence. There is also the opportunity to receive prayer ministry at the end of the service. All welcome. ✝️

A poster for Sanctuary: Contemplative Eucharist. Every 2nd Thursday of the month. St Mary's Whitkirk 6:30pm. A Eucharist with space to reflect. All always welcome!

The poster is black with white text, and is illustrated with a photo of a priest's hands holding half a wafer above a patten.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 10/02/2026

It's #PancakeDay next week, and we're having a party! Pancakes, toppings, & refreshments provided, and you’re welcome to bring your own favourite toppings too. With games, a quiz, and plenty of fun for all ages, it’s a relaxed way to spend time together. Everyone’s welcome - just come hungry! ✝️

A poster for Family Pancake Party. Quizzes, Games, Toppings provided - All Free! Feb 17th 5:30-7:30 in the Community Centre

The background image shows someone in an apron flipping a pancake with a frying pan.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 09/07/2025

Join us for a fun-filled time at our famous summer Church Fair this weekend! Come along and enjoy live music from the fantastic Altofts and Normanton Brass Band as you explore a variety of stalls, including hook-a-duck, tombola, plants, cakes and much more!

A poster for Whitkirk Church Fair. Saturday July 12th 12 to 3.30 in the Community Centre. Cafe, Games, Tombola, Plants, Cakes, Hot Dogs, Hook a Duck, Brass Band.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 10/06/2025

We're launching a new service this Thursday, 12th June. "Sanctuary" is a contemplative Eucharist with space for reflection and prayer, using fewer words, more silence, and gentle music. Need space to reflect and breathe? "Sanctuary" could be for you. Every second Thursday of the month, 6.30pm. ✝️

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 09/06/2025

Congratulations to Emily, baptised at yesterday's Pentecost Eucharist. Come, Holy Spirit! ✝️

Our vicar, Rev. Claire Honess, is embraced by Emily next to the medieval stone font of St Mary's Church Whitkirk, moments after baptsing her. Resting on the rim of the font is the scallop shell used in baptism.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 25/04/2025

Concert Season will soon be upon us! Here's what we've got coming up this summer: ✝️

A poster for St Mary's Whitkirk Concert Season 2025.

May 3rd 2:15pm - Heather Woodhead and Alison Battye - voice, guitar, flute. Free admission / Retiring collection

June 7th 6pm - Svitoch Ukranian Choir. Ticket price £10

June 14th 2:30pm - Wesley Singers. Ticket price £7

July 5th 2:15pm - Wren Flute Trio. Free admission / Retiring collection.

August 2nd 2:15pm - Giles Taylor - Organ. Free admission/ Retiring collection

Please see whitkirkchurch.org.uk for further information

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 20/04/2025

The Easter Fire is lit, which can mean only one thing: He is Risen! ✝️

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 13/04/2025

Today for #PalmSunday we were joined by the beautiful Cassie and Blue, two donkeys from Temple Newsam. They brought a real sense of joy and occasion to this important festival. Our Junior Choir led us in song as we processed to church - we have a King who rides a donkey! 🐴

Our Churchwardens, Elaine and Melvin, stand beside Cassie the donkey. Elaine & Melvin are smiling, Cassie is nibbling the vicarage lawn.

Our Vicar, Claire, stands outside smiling between two donkeys. Blue, on the left, is white and fluffy; Cassie, on the right, is grey with a dark cross down her back.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 10/04/2025

This Sunday we're having a special Messy Easter celebration! Come and hear the story of #Easter as we celebrate with stories, games and crafts. Free refreshments and no entry fee. Everyone welcome, no need to book just turn up!

A poster for Messy Easter, Apirl 13th 4pm. Food & Drink. Stories. Crafts. Games. Meet in the Community Centre.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 09/04/2025

Our #LentCourse concludes tonight with the last in our series of talks on the Nicean Creed. Our very own @revclaireh.bsky.social will be exploring the theme of "We believe in one [...] Church". If you'd like to watch online, you can do so here: www.youtube.com/live/rL3rQZP... ✝️

A poster for 'We Believe...'

A series of talks for Lent, reflecting on the Nicene Creed to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The talks will offer an opportunity to think more deeply about words which we say most weeks and which encapsulate the essence of what it means to be a Christian.

9th April 7:00pm - 8:15pm St Mary's Church Whitkirk, LS15 0AA

The Reverend Dr Claire Honess, Vicar of Whitkirk: We believe in one [...] Church.

Each talk will be followed by a short service of sung Compline.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 08/04/2025

We're rapidly approaching #HolyWeek, which begins on #PalmSunday with a procession into church with not one, but two live donkeys! You can find details of all of our Holy Week and #Easter services, to which you are warmly welcome, on our website: whitkirkchurch.org.uk/easter ✝️

A poster for Holy Week 2025. The image is a view from the inside of a rock tomb with the grave shroud empty and draped on the floor. Outside the doorway is a round stone to one side, and in the distance three crosses sillouetted against the sun.

The text reads: Holy Week 2025. Starting on April 13th at 9:30am with our Palm Sunday Procession. Ending on April 20th at 2:20 with a family Easter Egg Hunt.

Details at www.whitkirkchurch.org.uk

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 02/04/2025

Our #Lent Course continues tonight with the Reverend Dr Janet Williams, Vice-Principle of @sthild.org, on the subject of "He will come again in glory". ✝️ If you can't make it in person, you can watch along online: www.youtube.com/live/Gqs5t2q...

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 26/03/2025

Tonight we extend a warm Whitkirk welcome to The Very Revd Simon Cowling, Dean of @wakecathedral.bsky.social, who will be leading the next of our #Lent talks on the Nicene Creed. ✝️ Tonight's title is "Begotten not made". If you'd prefer, you can also watch online: www.youtube.com/live/l93Cj8x...

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 19/03/2025

Tonight we are delighted to welcome The Very Revd Andrew Nunn, former Dean of @southwarkcathedral.bsky.social, for the second in our series of Lent Talks on the Nicene Creed. Tonight's title is "For us and for our salvation". If you'd prefer, you can watch online: www.youtube.com/live/q4NrGRC...

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 14/03/2025

Our new Junior Choir is open to all children in Years 3-6, regardless of background. Tuition will be provided to all free of charge by our Director of Music, Giles. If you're interested, get in touch: vicar@whitkirkchurch.org.uk

A poster showing a cartoon open mouth with text over the top. The title 'Burst into song' is in dynamic-looking text on top of some wiggly musical notation.

Burst into Song. Join our Junior Choir for Years 3 to 6.
Meeting in St Mary's Community Centre March 11, 18, & 25. April 1 & 8.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 12/03/2025

We are delighted to welcome @revarun.bsky.social to deliver the first of our 2025 series of #LentTalks, themed around the Nicene Creed. Tonight's talk is "We believe in the Holy Spirit". If you'd prefer to watch at home, the talk will be live-streamed: www.youtube.com/live/eu5jBvm... ✝️

A poster for the first of our 2025 lent talks.

We Believe...
A series of talks for Lent, reflecting on the Nicene Creed to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The talks will offer an opportunity to think more deeply about words which we say most weeks and which encapsulate the essence of what it means to be a Christian.

Each talk will be followed by a short service of sung Compline.

12th March 7:00pm-8:15pm St Mary's Church, LS15 0AA

The Right Reverend Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall: We believe in the Holy Spirit.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 08/03/2025

This #InternationalWomensDay we give thanks to God for all the incredible women who have been integral to the Church throughout the ages. ✝️

A stained glass window in St Mary's Church, Whitkirk, depicting Mary Magdalene meeting the risen Jesus in the garden on Easter Day. She is kneeling at his feet with a jar of ointment beside her, which she was expecting to use to anoint his dead body.

Jesus has his hands raised in blessing, with visible wounds in them from the nails of the cross.

A detail of the stained glass east window of St Mary's Church, Whitkirk, depicting Christmas. The Virgin Mary, wearing blue, is knelt beside the crib where the infant Jesus is reaching out to her. Joseph is stood behind her, also looking towards Jesus. Above the crib are two small angels with pale green wings. In the background is a donkey in a stable - it's also looking at Jesus.

A photo of new vicar Rev Dr Claire Honess' first Eucharist at Whitkirk in September 2024. She is wearing a green chasuble with an image of loaves and fishes on the front and is elevating the bread and wine. She is stood in the middle behind the stone altar with a deacon on her left and a server on the right. Knelt at the red-carpeted steps of the sanctuary is a thurifer in white robes, censing the altar.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 07/03/2025

Our new #JuniorChoir will re-start on Tuesdays from 4-5pm in St Mary's Community Centre. Junior Choir is open to all children in Years 3-6. No previous experience is needed and tuition will be provided for free by our Director of Music, Giles Taylor (Fellow of the Guild of Musicians and Singers). ✝️

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 06/03/2025

Feeding the Five Thousand: This month we find out what happens when you invite Jesus to your picnic! Come and enjoy refreshments, crafts and stories. All families are welcome. #messychurch ✝️

A poster advertising Messy Church.

Food and Drink
Crafts and Stories
All Free

March 9th. 4pm. In the Community Centre.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 04/03/2025

The big day has finally arrived...it's #PancakeDay! Join us in our Community Centre tonight from 5:30pm for a last hurrah before the solemn period of #Lent begins tomorrow. All are welcome, of any age, for a tasty treat and a bit of fun. ✝️

A poster for Family Pancake Party, featuring a plate of pancakes dripping with syrup, and an excited little boy about to tuck in.

The text reads: "Family Pancake party. All Free + Quizzes + Games.
March 4th 5.30 - 7.30 in the Community Centre.
* Toppings Provided"

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 28/02/2025

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. It's a time when people traditionally think about turning their lives around ("repentance" literally means "turning around"), perhaps by giving something up. We'll be marking this with a special service on Wednesday evening: All are welcome. ✝️

Ash Wednesday. March 5th. Sung Eucharist and imposition of ashes. 7:30pm

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 24/02/2025

Ever wondered what’s been hiding under our pews? Wonder no more! As part of the work to improve the north-west corner of the church we’ve removed the Victorian pews (and the floor they were sat on), and a whole load of plasterwork. 🧵 ✝️

The North-West corner of St Mary's Church, Whitkirk. The floor is bare earth, and the walls are bare rough stone up to the line of the stained glass windowsil on the north wall - from there upwards the walls are plastered and painted white. In the corner is a brick column - again, bare brick to the window-line, and plastered and painted white from there upwards.

The bottom of the north wall of St Mary's Church, Whitkirk. The plaster has been stripped back to the bare stone up the line of the stained glass windows, then the rest of the wall is plastered and painted white. Some heating pipes are running along the very bottom of the wall, just above the bare earth floor.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 18/02/2025

We Believe... A series of talks for #Lent 2025, reflecting on the Nicene Creed to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The talks offer an opportunity to think more deeply about the words we say most weeks and which encapsulate the essence of what it means to be a Christian. ✝️

A poster for the 2025 Lent Course at St Mary's Church, Whitkirk.

A series of talks for Lent, reflecting on the Nicene Creed to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The talks will offer an opportunity to think more deeply about words which we say most weeks and which encapsulate the essence of what it means to be a Christian.

12th March - The Right Reverend Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall: We believe in the Holy Spirit

19th March - The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, former Dean of Southwark: For us and for our salvation

26th March - The Very Reverend Simon Cowling, Dean of Wakefield: Begotten not made

2nd April - The Reverend Dr Janet Williams, Vice-Principle St Hild College: He will come again in glory

9th April - The Reverend Dr Claire Honess, Vicar of Whitkirk: We believe in one ... Church.

7pm - 8:15pm St Mary's Church, Whitkirk, LS15 0AA.

Each talk will be followed by a short service of sung Compline.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 17/02/2025

Pancake Day is fast approaching! We'll be celebrating Shrove Tuesday with a Family Pancake Party in the Community Centre - teatime fun with pancakes and toppings provided, all for free. All are welcome. ✝️

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 09/02/2025

This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, where the Nicene Creed which we say together each Sunday was agreed upon. We're exploring this in our #Lent course this year - we'd love it if you'd join us. ✝️

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 06/02/2025

Messy Church is a fun, family-friendly way to explore church. Through games, stories, and crafts, we explore faith in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Free snacks and drinks are available from 4pm in the Community Centre. Everyone is welcome: come and join us! ✝️

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 01/02/2025

We love being at the heart of our community, not just looking out for people's spiritual wellbeing but for their physical health as well. So it was great to see people taking advantage of free blood pressure checks in our Community Centre yesterday morning! ✝️

A freestanding rectangular banner stood in the corner of our Community Centre. It reads: "Free blood pressure checks here. Reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases", accompanied by a picture of a person having their blood pressure checked.

Behind the banner is a table with some people sat talking to a doctor.

Two older ladies sat at a table talking with a younger medic. They are all sat on brightly coloured plastic chairs around a small round table in the corner of a community centre.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 29/01/2025

Are you tired and stressed? Having a tough time? Just need space to stop and breathe? Come along to church on the last Thursday of the month between 6pm and 7pm to experience Sacred Space. ✝️

A dark poster with white text and an image of a small lit candle, for 'Sacred Space'. Thursday 30th January 6pm - 7pm (and every last Thursday of the month) at St Mary's Church, Whitkirk. Come at any time. Stay as long as you like. Light a candle. Leave a prayer. Quiet music, candles, space to 'just be' amid the busynes of life...

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 28/01/2025

We're holding a special Evensong to mark the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, also known as Candlemas. This service marks a turning point as we look back to Christmas and forward to Easter. Everyone is welcome to join us. ✝️

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 10/01/2025

New Year New Beginnings. Pray with us! Join us for Morning & Evening Prayer, a short said service lasting about 30min. The church is open afterwards for prayer and reflection. You can also leave prayer requests in church: there are blank cards at the back for you to use. All are welcome. ✝️

A poster advertising Daily Prayer at St Mary's Church, Whitkirk:

The background is an image of the inner doors of the church, made of light oak and glass. The right-hand door is open, inviting you into the church. Beside the doors in the porch is a display of white flowers.

The text reads:
DAILY PRAYER
Morning Prayer 8:30am
Evening Prayer 5:30pm
Every day except Sunday and Monday
Where all find a welcome and are nurtured in their journey with Christ.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 05/01/2025

We chalked a blessing on our church door this morning. Blessed chalk was available in church for people to use to bless their own homes. If you didn't make it today because of the snow, the chalk will be available throughout the Epiphany season. We'd love to see pictures of your chalked doors! ✝️

Adam (the deacon) chalking a traditional blessing onto the wall beside the main door of the church.

The wooden and glass inner doors of St Mary's Church Whitkirk inside the porch. To the left is a display of vibrant flowers on a metal stand; to the right of the door is a blessing chalked vertically down the golden sandstone of the archway: 20+C+M+B+25

A close-up of the Epiphany / New Year blessing chalked vertically down the golden sandstone of the archway: 20+C+M+B+25.

2025 is for this year; C M B stands for the names which tradition has ascribed to the 3 wise men: Caspar, Melkior, Balthazar.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 05/01/2025

It's a bit nippy out this morning! We are going ahead with our 10am Eucharist for anyone who has safely made it here, but please take care and stay safe.

St Mary's Church Whitkirk blanketed in snow. The golden sandstone stands out agains the white of the ground and the sky.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 18/12/2024

We know that Christmas can be a very tough time of year, particularly if the preceding year has been difficult. On Saturday, the Longest Night, the church will be open from 6-7pm for anyone who needs it. There will be space to light a candle, pray, or just sit quitely in the stillness. ✝️

The tower of St Mary's Church, Whitkirk sillouetted at sunset. The tower and trees are completely black against a salmon-pink and lilac sky, except for the weathervane at the top of the spire (shaped like a cockerel) which is golden in the sunlight.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 07/12/2024

This week at Whitkirk: Advent 2 Sun 8th 10am - Sung Eucharist 4pm - Messy Church Wed 11th 10am - Said Eucharist Tues - Sat 8:30am - Morning Prayer 5:30pm - Evening Prayer All Are Welcome

The Advent Wreath with 2 candles lit. Four red candles surround a white one, with green foliage at the bottom.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 04/12/2024

Tonight we meet at 8:30pm for Compline by Candlelight. A simple service of night prayer with unaccompanied singing, the darkness of the Advent evening illuminated by the light of candles. All are welcome.

A picture looking up the nave of St Mary's Church Whitkirk in the dark. The flagstone floor of the nave, interspersed with black gravestones, is lit by small lanterns, leading up to the stone altar in the middle at the top. The dark wooden pews are in darkness, save for a few candles held by worshippers dotted around the building. The Churhwardens' wands are stood at the end of two pews near the back, shining in the candlelight.

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St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk @whitkirkchurch.org.uk · 01/12/2024

Hello Bluesky! We are a vibrant and inclusive #CofE church community in the Diocese of Leeds (@leeds.anglican.org), where all find a welcome and are nurtured in their journey with Christ. This account will share updates of what's on at Whitkirk, as well as other things of interest.

A view of Whitkirk Church from the south. An impressive medieval church made of golden sandstone, with a square tower and spire on the left of the picure. A neat sand-coloured path runs from the bottom right of the image towards the porch just to the side of the tower. The grass of the graveyard is a lush green with dappled shadows from the trees behind the camera. The sky is blue with whispy white clouds which seem to eminate from the building like a halo.

A photo of the church choir in action. The women are at the front and the men at the back, all wearing red robes and holding black books with the music. The choir stalls are made of dark polished oak, and have brass lamps spaced between each chorister.

An image from the back of church looking up the nave towards the roof just after a service has finished. Light streams in from one of the small windows near the roof, casting long rays through the incense smoke. The pillars of the nave are bare stone, then the walls and arches above are whitewashed. The roof is black timber with golden roof bosses in all manner of sahpes and designs.

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