This article describes the author’s day on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The author is on vacation while their partner Jools has to work for half a day before going to a company lunch. The author spends their day driving around Kent, visiting various churches to take photographs. They revisit Penshurst church and take photos of the Sidney family memorials. They then proceed to Speldhurst, where they find the church doors closed, and then to Groombridge, where they miss the church and end up on the wrong side of the border. They finally arrive at the church in Tunbridge Wells where they attend a service and take photographs. On the way back, they stop at a service area before picking up Jools from her work lunch.
The winter solstice is an important event in the year as it marks the end of the year and the beginning of a new cycle. The days will gradually become longer, and the darkness will be replaced by light. The article captures the mixed emotions associated with this time, as people reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. The author’s decision to spend the day photographing churches is an interesting one, as it suggests a desire to capture the essence of the past and record it for the future.
The author’s journey around Kent provides ample opportunities for reflection and observation. They note the changes that have taken place in Tonbridge since their last visit, as the village has grown to become a major junction with a bustling High Street. They also remark on the wealth of Tunbridge Wells, with its bespoke designer kitchens and affluent residents.
The author’s passion for photography shines through in their descriptions of the churches they visit. They note the statues and memorials in Penshurst, the closed doors of Speldhurst, and the beauty of the glass in Groombridge. They are particularly struck by the service they attend in Tunbridge Wells, where they observe the elderly parishioners partaking in communion and find solace in prayer.
Throughout the day, the author is also conscious of the passing time and the need to stick to a schedule. They are keen to be punctual in picking up Jools from her work lunch and make a stop at a service area for refreshments and to check social media. Finally, they collect Jools and end the day on a positive note.
Overall, the article captures the essence of the winter solstice and the emotions associated with the end of the year. The author’s decision to visit churches and take photographs highlights the desire to capture and preserve the essence of the past. The journey around Kent provides a chance for reflection and observation, and the day ends on a positive note with the collection of Jools.