Melinda's first post



I am a volunteer guide at Hexham Abbey, which I love as it allows me to see the everyday running of this great place of refuge. Historically, pilgrims have visited the abbey for both solace and redemption. 

I feel that Hexham Abbey is one of the few places in society where you will be welcome irrespective of creed, colour or gender.


Above is a drawing I made of the Frith Stool in the Abbey.

Frith, means peace and this 7th century  Frith Stool could be sat on and
provide the person with  impunity- a seat of sanctuary!

I like the fact that there is a candle placed on the right
hand corner of the stool because it has obviously been left there by accident
where as the stool is very firm and solid, a permanent fixture.



The Abbey could be thought of as a solemn place, but it also has signs of life -  the
remains of a  custard cream biscuit lying on one of the recesses ! I like the fact that the pattern on the biscuit might echo some of the carving on the stonework nearby, like the tree of life pictured below.


Although the abbey has a feeling of solid permanence, the interior is constantly changing. I loved the Easter Garden "installation", by the children of the abbey's congregation. 


 I like this because of it's lack of perfection, the
construction by the children is quite haphazard, something that seems
to be barely tolerated today, this feels like a symbol of acceptance to me.






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