Quantock Cycle, PART 9, St Mary's Holford, Inside, 2012
Channel: semw52
Date: 2012-06-28

I arrive at Holford following a harrowing cycle along the A39 which is very undulating but worse huge lorries and speeding cars race by very close--no pathways here--I take a diversion on the return trip but when I return to the A39 in the evening it is much quieter.Anyway this is the first time I actually visit the church and go inside--a very modest church, peaceful and loved.Hints of loving care all over the place from the flowers, to the tidy corners and cosiness--it is used--the bells are rung--.I will need to go on Wikipedia to find more about its history--there was no booklet available inside.However, I know the Hugenots were here in the past who lived in the derelict and ivy covered cottages that line the edges of the  brooks and streams nearby--silk-weavers--so it is possible that they worshipped at St Mary's. I have been visiting Holford for many years to walk the glen and coombes,and as a child look for adders, sheep bones ---study the geography and nature trails but we never really looked at the history and culture---so much to learn, so little time to do it-----I will have to bring the tent up here I reckon for further exploration.There is one problem in the hills and it is TICKS---you can obtain a forecast Online as to the risk---summer unfortunately is the worse time but precautions and aftercare can be employed to reduce the risk of a bite or tick invasion---the deer and sheep carry the ticks but it is the Lymes disease that is delibitating and occasionally infection can be fatal---I have nursed victims of Tick bite--including stroke, severe infection and death. BUT do not be put off completely there is always the winter months and precautions. By the way the church sits quietly here with an open door..