Ring Out Solstice Bells

By the time I took this picture, I’d actually missed the Solstice by 6 minutes - and there were no bells ringing from the tower. Apart from that, spot on with todays title!
I remember the bell tower being built - it is less than 50 years old and was the first free standing cathedral bell tower to be built in England since the 15th century. At the time it’s radical design caused a lot of controversy. It looks no better - to my eye - today, but has managed to somehow attract a Grade 2 listing, so looks like it’s here to stay. It’s official name is the Addleshaw Tower, but many rude names were bandied around before it was officially opened in 1975 - my favourite (probably the only one I can actually publish, if truth be told!) was “The Dean’s Phallic Symbol”.
As promised, today was also the day for visiting the rest of the family. Sister, B-i-L, Nephew and Niece this morning, other sister and mum this afternoon. Sisters don’t see eye to eye - long story - so no cosy family get together this year. Actually, come to think of it, I don’t think we’ve ever done cosy family get togethers, at least since I managed to escape to the Lake District thirty years ago.
Chester itself was busy, without being overcrowded. We wandered around the Christmas Market - not a lot of stalls, but plenty of nice things on offer - and couldn’t resist buying some delicious looking pies and cakes. We’ll probably head back in tomorrow morning to have a quick trawl round the shops before returning home to Kendal.
Apart from the small issue of not yet having anything in the house to eat over Christmas, we’re as ready as we can be - good job M&S are open from 6am to midnight tomorrow and Thursday! And I suppose I really ought to get Mrs C’s present organised, if I’m to avoid an awkward scene on Christmas morning!