Chester city walls, and a national treasure...

Autumn has elbowed summer out of the way and in a weeks time we will turn back the clocks.

The river Dee

This weekend we have enjoyed the changing seasons as we explored the heart of Chester in its autumn splendour. Entering the centre of the city is a real feast for your eyes and a place that seems to invite re-visits.

Walking the city walls, pleasure boats in the background.

Our eclectic views included, roman gardens, a roman amphitheatre, the river Dee and its pleasure boats, a vintage omnibus, a shopping centre, outdoor umbrella covered stalls, canal boats, the Roodee Chester race course, and the beautiful Tudor era buildings that are so aplenty in this city.

Beautiful autumn along the river Dee

Eastgate Street Chester, I think?

So much to see, can you spot the whanau?

The whole afternoon was just perfect, but what took it from a great day to an exceptional one was the Chester Cathedral....1000 years of history! 

In 1541, it became the cathedral of the Diocese of Chester

I have a friend who in recent years shared with me how one day she had been walking past a church and was really captured by the singing she could hear...this started her search of faith which today is now apart of her life. I marvelled at the time how that could lead someone to Christ. 

Today as we walked the cathedral, I to had a 'God' experience. 

We were fortunate to have timed it during a choir rehearsal. The humour of the conductor combined with the exquisite singing of the large choir and two plaques which read simply 'these stained glass windows were erected by people who admire his character and have benefited from his labours', the one on the floor read 'dedicated to the memory of Luke Allan who at this altar enjoyed marvelling at the mysteries of the devine'. All of these 'little things' combined to create a pondering of gods grandeur....this cathedral was built in a time when people had a real strong sense of God and wanted a God presence at the centre of their lives. I love the way that churches are spotted around the local villages right in the centre. I'm sure as with everything human that is linked with God there is always a certain duality of purpose...however during some occasions the balance is skillfully tilted and today was one of those.

The brochure of Chester Cathedral reads.....'Chester Cathedral is a living Christian community, dedicated to prayer and the worship of God. It is a holy place in which people make time for God. I hope you will find this a space for prayer, peace and comfort. 

We all had an opportunity to sit, pray and reflect.

 Fav pic of the day, capturing the 'warmth' of the day! Hope we have a few more before winter.