After leaving Gloucester, I then headed down to Bristol for the next part of my vacation. I spent 3 months during this year’s hot summer so it was interesting to be back here in winter. Preparations were in full swing for Christmas and there was a wonderful German-style market in the Broadmead area.

On the evening of my arrival, there was to be a performance of Messiaen’s great organ work “La Nativité du Siegneur” in Bristol Cathedral. Headed there in the afternoon for a wander round the building before attending Evensong. Afterwards, headed for a cuppa whilst the vergers prepared the cathedral for the performance – this involved lots of candles and incense! The performance was magical and the choir was totally full.

The following day was not very nice at all – it was chucking down rain for the most part. After a visit to my old colleagues in Keypoint, I decided to visit St. Mary Redcliffe. This is such a beautiful parish church and it’s perpendicular nave is breathtaking. They also have a nice café in the undercroft which was a welcome relief from the rain!

The 19th saw me heading to London, but decided to go to Morning Prayer at the cathedral first thing. This was a lovely service and set me up for the day. It was also nice to see both the Dean, Dr David Hoyle and the Canon Precentor, Nicola Stanley who both remembered me from my summer stay.

NB. The first 7 pictures are of Bristol Cathedral and the remainder are of St. Mary Redcliffe.