old and new in harmony

I was walking into Bangor today from Ballyholme and passed the 17th Century Tower and adjoining Tower House on Bangor Seafront. Originally built in 1637 as a Custom House, the architecture of the Tower is unique in Bangor and rare in this place we call home. 
I was  aware that over the past 300 years the building has served various purposes - private dwellings, an antique shop and housed hot sea water baths.
Today it sits almost unnoticed beside some modern buildings facing the new marina.
A good example of old and new blending and not clashing. Perhaps a lesson to us in this place we call home that two different traditions can live alongside one another together with the rainbow of new and emerging histories.

It takes imagination, grace and generosity but it is worth it.