How a not so by 'chance' meeting led to the discovery of a sacred church and became inspiration for a collection.
St Etheldreda’s Church, Hyssington
Sometimes we meet Souls, our eyes lock and there is instant recognition.
I was told by one of my teachers that I would meet a woman in a red dress A couple of weeks later I did, a cheerful lady in a spotty red dress in the doctors surgery, she bought a lightness saying hello to everyone in the waiting room. On my way home I popped into the health food shop and there she was again, Afrianne’ this time we stopped and had a chat, finding out a little about each other and then came an invitation I couldn’t resist.
My family and myself were invited to a candle lit carol service on Christmas Eve at Etheldreda’s Church, Hyssington. Most from the local village, some from the surrounding area. a warm and welcoming gathering. That’s something I’ve noticed in these parts, no one is a stranger, all are embraced and welcomed into the fold.
Handed prayer sheets and a white candle with a bobeche to protect our hands from dripping wax. We sat on a pew and in front of me a wonderful hand stitched tapestry of a swan. One of my spirit guides. As we waited for the service to begin, I thought about all of the generations that had previously sat in that space. Since then I have visited many times especially when needing some quiet time to sit and contemplate, I generally feel attracted to the same spot inside and outside sit on the benches taking in the stunning views.
Beautiful small doorway
A little of its history- Saint Etheldreda- ‘The name gained fame from a 7th Century East Anglian Princess and Queen who founded the ‘Ely Cathedral’ Monastery. Born around 636. The modern name Audrey evolved directly as a short form of Etheldreda.
The church is set in a picturesque rural location on the edge of Hyssington in the Welsh Borders. Parts of the original building date back to Medieval times and rebuilt in 1875 after a fire, a Medieval font and Jacobean pulpit remains. Well known ‘Legend of the Bull of Bagbury’ the bull said to buried under the entrance stones of the church.
