These pictures of the Methodist church and St Nicholas were taken on the 10th September 2015. I was at the nearby air field to collect a load in my job as a HGV driver and upon arrival was informed I would be unable to load until the following morning, so with time to pass and nothing to do I went to explore the local area.
Dunkeswell Methodist Church
The first church I passed whilst walking towards the village was the Dunkeswell Methodist Church, located a short walk from the airfield at the top of Abbey Road the small church overlooks the village. Other than service information there isn't much available online regarding the history of the church. The pictures below were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera and can also be seen full size, resolution and un-watermarked on Clickasnap.
St Nicholas Church
The church of St Nicholas was rebuilt on the same site as an earlier structure between 1865-68, with the tower being replaced in 1953. The tower had been urgently demolished after World War II due to being seriously weakened and in danger of collapse. This structural damage had been caused by the engine vibration of the bombers taking off from the nearby air field which was home to the US Air Force and then the US Navy who have a plaque and book of remembrance in the church. The church still holds regular services today and has a number of references inside to the US forces that were stationed nearby.
The church was open when I passed so I got pictures of both the exterior and interior, they were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They can be seen below or alternatively on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.
Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share, all the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.
Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Clickasnap profile.
All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.
The roar of engines faded into a gentle hum as I stepped away from the bustling Dunkeswell Aerodrome. My work there had afforded me an unexpected pocket of time, a rare moment to explore the surrounding countryside. With a map tucked into my pocket and a sense of wanderlust guiding my steps, I set off towards the village of Dunkeswell, a place whispered to be a haven of tranquility.
The approach to Dunkeswell was a sensory delight. Narrow lanes, bordered by ancient hedgerows bursting with wildflowers, wound their way through the rolling Devon landscape. The air, crisp and clean, carried the subtle scent of damp earth and blossoming honeysuckle. As I crested a gentle rise, the village revealed itself, a charming cluster of stone cottages nestled amidst verdant fields.
My aimless wander led me to a junction where Abbey Road met Manleys Lane. Perched on this slight elevation, commanding a gentle view of the village it served, stood Dunkeswell Methodist Church. It was a modest structure, its simple architecture speaking of a long history and a steadfast commitment to its community.
The church's exterior, constructed from local stone, bore the marks of time – a testament to the enduring spirit of the congregation. A small, well-maintained garden, brimming with vibrant blooms, softened the building's lines, inviting passers by to pause and reflect. The neat rows of pews visible through the windows hinted at the quiet gatherings held within, the shared hymns and whispered prayers that had filled this space for generations.
It wasn't the grandeur of a cathedral that struck me, but the intimate, almost familial atmosphere that radiated from the building. This wasn't a monument to power or wealth, but a humble sanctuary built on faith and community. One could easily imagine the generations of villagers who had sought solace and fellowship within its walls, their lives interwoven with the church's history.
The location itself, overlooking the village, seemed symbolic. It offered a vantage point, a place to step back from the everyday and contemplate the wider world. From this elevated position, the rhythms of village life unfolded – the distant sound of children playing, the gentle murmur of conversations, the reassuring presence of a community tied together by shared experience.
I paused for a moment, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. The air was still, broken only by the occasional chirp of a bird. The quietude was profound, a welcome respite from the clamour of modern life. It was a reminder that amidst the constant flux of our world, there are still places where time seems to slow, where the simple act of being present can be a profound experience.
Dunkeswell Methodist Church, in its unassuming way, offered a glimpse into the heart of rural Devon – a place where faith and community are intertwined, where the beauty of simplicity is celebrated. It was a reminder that even in the smallest of villages, there are stories waiting to be discovered, moments of quiet reflection to be savoured. And for a brief moment, as I stood overlooking the village, I felt a sense of peace, a connection to the enduring spirit of Dunkeswell.
There pictures were taken on the 10th September 2105 with a Polaroid is2132 camera. Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.
All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
