A Winter's Night

With the cathedral at Durham we reach the incomparable masterpiece of Romanesque architecture not only in England but anywhere. The moment of entering provides for an architectural experience never to be forgotten, one of the greatest England has to offer.

(Alec Clifton-Taylor, BBC TV series 'English Towns')

There has actually been a bit of meltage today, but not a lot. We actually have sun forecast for tomorrow, but the predicted temperatures are the lowest yet, so no big thaw on the horizon. This is rather unfortunate as I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get in/out of my street with my car. This evening I was rescued by two generous strangers who pushed me through the skiddy slush into a parking space. Without them I'd still me stranded across the bottom of the road!

I had a very pleasant little walk around Durham this afternoon/evening, the result of which is yet another Cathedral blip! Apologies for the lack of imagination, but you will have gathered that is a building that is very special to me. Most people who have visited understand, and the quote above to backs me up on this.

The Hounds of Winter was performed by Sting as part of his concert 'A Winter's Night' at the Cathedral in 2009. The video gives you some glimpses of the interior architecture, but the lighting isn't standard! Northumbrerland folk artist Kathryn Tickell is featured playing the fiddle, but she is most famous for the Northumbrian Pipes. If you ever get the chance to see her live do take it - she is a wonderful character and musician.