New research indicates that some stained glass windows from Canterbury Cathedral may be among the oldest in the world.The panels, depicting the Ancestors of Christ, have been re-dated using a new, non-destructive technique.</span>The analysis indicates that some of them may date back to the mid-1100s.The windows would therefore have been in place when the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, was killed at the cathedral in 1170.Léonie Seliger, the head of stained glass conservation at the cathedral, and part of the research team, told BBC News that the discovery was historically "hugely significant"."We have hardly anything left of the artistic legacy of that early building [apart from] a few bits of stone carving. But until now, we didn't think we had any stained glass. And it turns out that we do," she said.Dr Laura Ware Adlington, who led the research, said that the windolyser's results were "very exciting"."These findings will make us all, from art historians and scientists, to members of the public visiting the cathedral, look at the Canterbury stained glass in a whole new light."Prof Caviness said she was ''delighted'' to hear that her assessment had been confirmed by Dr Ware Adlington.''The scientific findings, the observations and the chronology of the cathedral itself all fit together very nicely now,'' she told BBC News. Prof Caviness, who is now 83, told me that the finding had jolted her out of a ''Covid numbness'' that she had been feeling.''I wish I was younger and could throw myself more into helping Laura with her future work. But I've certainly got a few more projects to feed her.''Dr Ware Adlington's study suggests that some of the Canterbury Ancestors may date back to the back to the period between 1130-1160, at least 10 years before Thomas Becket's infamous killing at the site in 1170.
THE Diocese of Carlisle is partnering with a Christian charity to provide free retreats for people who were frontline carers during the Covid pandemic. Barrow and Furness MP, Simon Fell has put his support behind the scheme and is asking the public to get behind the Crowdfunder that is hoping to raise £20,000.This project is hoped to achieve some much-needed respite for carers.Mr Fell said “This is a fantastic project which will help some of the people who have had a harder job than others over the past year.“It is so important to recognise that people who care for others need time to be able to look after themselves, and this project will give carers an opportunity to switch off and relax.”Caring for the Carers is the idea of the Rev Prof Stephen Wright, spiritual director of the Sacred Space Foundation, a non-profit, non-denominational retreat centre and charitable trust located in the Lake District National Park. The proposals would see free retreats offered for 45 NHS staff members and others from the county at Rydal Hall (see photo) the Diocese’s Christian Conference and Retreat Centre, near Ambleside.Stephen said: “We’ve all clapped for our carers and now it’s time we proactively cared for them too. That is what this project is all about. “We’re well aware of the burnout and exhaustion that so many are facing and so we just want to do our best to help their recovery in some small way. It will be an opportunity for individuals to recharge their batteries in whatever way they want to: to read, to walk, to enjoy Rydal’s grounds, to talk one-to-one or in groups. It would be completely up to them.”
A Christmas celebration, complete with carols and mince pies, has taken place in the middle of the summer for people who missed out on traditional services in December.It was organised by the Reverend Rachel Phillips (see photo) at the Priory Church of St Peter in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.The Church of England rector maintains that "Christmas is not just for Christmas"."We celebrated as Dunstable has never done before," she said.The outdoor event included traditional carols, a small nativity play and a visit from Father Christmas."He's not that busy at this time of year," Ms Phillips said.The event was not just to make up for the church not being able to hold its usual carol service in December because of coronavirus regulations."Last December we weren't able to celebrate as we normally would, so we're doing it now," Ms Phillips said."But there is a serious point here, which is, that what Christians celebrate at Christmas is not just for Christmas - it's not just for one day."About 100 people turned up wearing their Christmas jumpers and sporting Santa hats. Children dressed as their favourite "nativity character" and picnics were eaten - complete with turkey sandwiches and mince pies."The weather was a lot more Christmas jumper friendly than the hot temperatures we had last week," Ms Phillips said."The children were so excited, seeing their faces when Father Christmas appeared was just lovely. It made their Christmas."
Book the date. It will be great fun when Messy Church is staged at Hascombe Village Hall on Wednesday, August 25 from 3pm to 5pm.
