I had to take my Mother over to Consett this afternoon to meet a friend and on the way home I did a little reminiscing.  I am always a slightly hesitant to revisit the past, a big piece of me says 'never look back' and often places of significance in my life have changed so much that the disappointment can outweigh the fonder memories.

But I did it anyway.

9 Clarence Gardens, I was born here just over fifty three years ago and it has changed so much in so many respects.

The Tin Mill Infants School, the first establishment responsible for what you have before you today!  Now a community centre.

St John's,  Snods Edge.  My parents were married here, in this beautiful little country church all those years ago and looking round the churchyard I can see the names of several relatives and far too many others I knew.

Unusually in this day and age, the church was open and I couldn't resist a picture of this wonderful stained window.  Not a religious bone in my body, I still love and marvel at churches, from a tiny chapel 

 hidden in the Manx countryside to the magnificence of Durham Cathedral. 

Was it worth it?  Perhaps on this occasion, yes.