St Michaels Church, Garway
I stumbled upon St. Michael’s Church in Garway, built by the Knights Templar, nestled away in the remote Herefordshire countryside during a recent writing trip to the Welsh Borders.
While I wouldn’t describe myself as religious, upon entering the unlocked door, I was struck by a tangible stillness about the place that was pretty magical and I found myself sat there for quite some time in solitary silence, soaking in the serenity.
After quite a while, with not another soul around for miles, I started to have a little sing, offering up my voice to the lovely acoustics provided by the high curved ceiling. I couldn’t really tell you why, but it was what I needed at that moment, and it did me a lot of good. I felt re-connected to myself somehow.
A couple of months later, Emma & I tracked down the wonderful folk who look after St Michaels Church, and they very kindly let us return to record a couple of new songs there; the results of which I hope to pop up online before too long. I’m grateful for these unexpected little ancient pockets of peace and refuge amidst the storms.
Location: St Michaels Church, Garway
Photos: Emma Ledwith