Cats and cathedrals

It’s not that unusual for a Cathedral to have a resident cat - I’ve met several over the years. However, Southwark Cathedral’s cat, Hodge, has his own Twitter account and has quite the cult following. Each August the Cathedral hosts a feline themed day of talks and this year I was able to go along.

The day started with a stroll down from Liverpool Street Station, taking in some of the city architecture in the early morning sun.

I arrived at Southwark Cathedral early so I went inside to look for Hodge. Fortunately, he was in a chilled out mood, lounging near the door to the vestry, one of his favourite snoozing spots.

A couple more snaps from around the Cathedral as I headed to Borough Market to grab some lunch.

Photos taken 6 August 2022

Just chilling...

We’ve often looked after our neighbours cats, Cwtch and Sookie, while their humans have been on holiday and it’s always a pleasure. Cwtch is always confident and friendly towards us, but Sookie is a much more reserved character, often apparently afraid of her own shadow!

A big stretch from Cwtch

This summer they’ve both spent more time in their front garden, mostly keeping clear of their canine siblings, so I’ve taken this opportunity to gain Sookie’s trust a little more. Often you’ll find me on my hands and knees, giving her a cheek rub as if I stand up she’ll run a mile! One week over the summer though we spent several days feeding the two of them as this proved a real turning point. Realising I was a purveyor of both cheek rubs and food, Sookie became a total convert and she even relaxed enough for me to take some photos one morning.

I’ve never seen Sookie this relaxed before!

Photos taken August 2022

Welsh meanderings

After my music course in Wales last month finished I took a very enjoyable meander down the hill to the Cynghordy Viaduct and beyond - some much needed fresh air and exercise after several days of intense music making.

One of our course students was on this train as it chugged across the Cynghordy Viaduct!

I had no preconceived ideas as to what I might photograph along the way and came back with a pretty varied selection.

Just beyond the viaduct is a goat farm and some of the local residents came out to greet me!

A closer view of the viaduct

The view across the valley never fails to surprise and delight me - this is a photo I snatched from my bedroom window on the first morning I was there - a wonderfully misty autumn morning and even a train on the viaduct.

And finally, a couple of my canine friends from my final morning in Wales. On the left we have Barney, who belongs to one of our students, and Jasper, the resident cockerpoo, on the right.

Photos taken October 2022