Ian Gomersall

Lovely to see this colourful chap on my birdfeeder this morning

A medieval illustration of a hedgehog with grapes skewered on its spines

It was believed in medieval times that hedgehogs had spikes so they could roll over fruit to carry home to their children, which is not true but is a really cute idea

Thought provoking words on a paving stone in Cannon Street, London

Snowing now in Bishop Auckland ❄️
Lovely to look out on!

Just William and his creator The final few months of 2025 brough many downs, and a few ups, and so I decided in January to read some books for comfort. Together with this I also decided to nominate for myself an author of the …

In praise of Richmal Crompton, my January author of the month. See: retiredrector.blog/2026/02/01/j...

I'm on a quest to find the best cheese scones in my home area of County Durham / N Yorks.
BUT a foray into Scotland gave me wonderful ones @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk Lovely texture, fresh and warm and served with crowdie and chives. I gave them 9.5/10 - hughest score yet 👏

Our country and our communities are full of places of worship that are open to everyone. They provide so much, and they should be celebrated.

And they don't judge you if you turn up in your mucky work clothes 🤭 🩷

Lovely snowdrops nr. Hawick.

… Water everywhere this morning on a walk along the Tees. Lovely snowdrops too.

Yes indeed! Evocative of childhood for me. These on the banks of the Tees today.

Good morning! A lovely morning sky in Bishop Auckland

River #Tees at Cleasby this morning. Partly frozen.
Fresh and bright.

Mine comes down on January7th - remains up for Epiphany!

Becoming an armiger!
retiredrector.blog/2026/01/02/b...

Enjoyable walk today. From Greta Bridge to Brignall old church and further along the Greta and back via Brignall village. The ruined medieval St Mary's Church at Brignall is such a quiet and peaceful place - "Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife"

Lovely game of Bezique, a rather forgotten card game.

Lovely visit to Durham yesterday.
Lunch at Vennells

Sunset this evening looking towards Brusselton Woods, Bishop Auckland.

I agree with the Bishop. However, I tire a little of bishops and church leaders exhorting christians to do things and not so much highlighting the hospitality, generosity and compassion so many parishes and everyday faithful folk show.

St Lucy’s Day Quiz Here’s a Quiz for St Lucy’s Day (13th December) which I prepared for a social gathering a few years ago:   See how you do in it. St Lucy Procession. Candle holder from Sweden 1. St Lucy died in Syr…

It's St Lucy's Day.
Here's a #quiz I wrote for the day.
Why not have ago and see what marks out of ten you get.
retiredrector.blog/2025/12/13/s...

I hear much in Advent talks about the coming of Christ at Bethlehem, or at the end times. Not so much about now- Christ comes among us often unseen.
He said: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me"

Quaker climate activist appeals conviction after judge threatens the jury A Quaker is appealing her climate conviction after a judge threatened the jury with contempt of court if they found defendants not guilty according to their conscience.

A Liverpool Quaker climate activist is appealing her conviction after a judge warned the jury against following their conscience, violating the centuries-old principle of jury independence, established in a landmark 1670 case involving Quaker defendants.

Dorothy LS is very accurate in her locations. I remeber going to the place where the body was found in 5 Red H.

Prey!

I find their science ones very helpful in their explanation - 'The Locomotive' was excellent. However above The Telephone I'd also choose 'Birds of Pray'

Christmas comes to Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland.
#BpAatChristmas 1