Quantock Cycle, PART 16,' All Saints Doddington, Somerset', 2012
Channel: semw52
Date: 2012-07-03

I arrive at Dodington 'All Saints' after the visit to Holford St Mary's a few miles away--what a contrast in churches--one bright and airey with much evidence of use--the other a little forlorn, even sad with perhaps just a few services a year.The church stands helpless opposite the well kept manor house and within the grounds of perhaps the vicarage . No bells ring out from here now, and maybe the actual bells are to be found in another church??A Dampness in the air because the cost of heating and maintenance could be proving difficult--a church that someone still loves evident from the flowers here and there offering some cheerfulness but the kneeling cushions need new covers, perhaps a new banner, and a bit of loving tender care offered to the nooks and crannies. Cobwebs and dust do not symbolize 'Great Expectations'---the local population is in decline, there is a recession, the rents for even churches have to be paid--but it is strange that other churches nearby are quite the opposite and look used and well cared for by the locals. Next to the church is a derelict site which does not help--I wonder what the building was before it was demolished. It will be interesting to see how Strington church presents itself on the next visit to the area--Strington is very close to Dodington and has a history all of its own..