Blasphemy in the Bookshop?

Forecast - wet, brightening later.

Today's brief was searching charity shops for material suitable for adapting into costumes for Open the Book.  We have some costumes, but not many. DH has recently dug out his clanky manual Singer sewing machine and rattled up a few from a pewter grey duvet set acquired from somewhere.

We scoured google maps, searching for a destination that may have what we wanted, but not at a price that would make it cheaper to visit Primark - a place I normally avoid, being unhappy at the use of child labour to manufacture cheap goods for the western market. The concept of upcycling also appeals to me. Why do we keep producing more, when there is so much already available? Alas, only one charity shop had any textiles, and their stock did not meet the criteria of shape, colour or material suitable for costume making. We decided that the material we were seeking probably came under the classification of unfit for resale. The assistant kindly offered to keep by anything suitable for our consideration. However, as we are in Lichfield so infrequently, it would make better sense if we were to approach one of our own local charity shops and come to a similar arrangement.

It is a couple of years since we last ventured to Lichfield. Normally the cathedral is our priority and the shops get a cursory inspection in the remainder of the time available. To be honest I had no recollection of the main shopping area. We considered several eating establishments, before opting for a cafe in a bakery. We lingered over lunch, having observed that passers-by were huddled beneath the protection of brollies and hoods against the increasingly inclement weather.

The Cathedral was warm and welcoming. I lit a candle for my friend, who is having a really tough time at the moment.  I deliberately put my candle on the back row way from all the other candles, to represent the separation she is feeling from everything she knows.  Despite all this, her light still shines. I know she is greatly valued and loved by many, even if she is not aware of this at the moment.

Further up the cathedral there was a prayer point, and I added prayers for a couple of people I know who would value prayer.









On previous visits to Lichfield, the  stained glass in the Lady Chapel had all been replaced by plain, as there was a large restoration project taking place.  Today we were able to see the glass, restored and replaced, and admire the beautiful hues, and stories they illustrated.







On leaving the cathedral, we discovered that the rain had not followed the advice of the forecasters, and far from being sunny, the rain was hammering down.  We quickly made our way across to the gift shop. In conversation with the sales assistant, my fellow traveller was rewarded with a sharp intake of breath when she confessed to knowing nothing about cricket - in fact, I suspect that doubting the virgin birth, or the resurrection, may have been met with less of a reaction...

As we left the gift shop the skies were clearing, giving beautiful reflections in Minster Pool.  We wandered back into town, as I needed to make an urgent purchase ahead of a birthday next week, as you do. I didn't get precisely what I wanted, but it will be more than sufficient.

There is clearly more to see in Lichfield, we plan to return with the KHT and visit the museum. Hopefully, the work upgrading St Mary's church to rehome the library will be complete.  There is also more parkland to explore. Today was just a taster, and not just of sourdough bread!