Patterns, pipes and kneeling pads surround me as I step up the aisle of St Gregory’s Church.
Sadly, the organ pipes lie redundant, with no-one to pump the bellows, and no organist to announce my approach with my chosen hymn. Still, I don’t suppose anyone was expecting me – were they? And do I even have a favourite hymn? Can I make my own one up? Is that allowed? Or do I have to make my selection from the traditional hymn book?
I decide to forget the whole hymn thing. I can’t sing too well anyway and I’m not wearing my best church hat. Best not to draw attention to myself.
Instead, I take a little amble around and check out the living arrangements. A comfy cushion, complete with pomegranate motif, three handsome fellas immortalised in stained glass, innumerable Gothic-style arches and the most exquisitely-spiky-backed chair. Is this a seat intended for interrogation, confession and torture, or can I sit in it for a moment of quiet contemplation and prayer?
Neither.
I move on.
On and out.
On a lap of the churchyard, I find myself peering down onto the late Walnut Tree Hospital. Late because it is now home to some rather posh and spiffing-looking dwellings which, no doubt, made Babergh Council and the Housing Development company a few pretty pennies.
Still the conversion is more than tasteful and retains much of the original character of the building. What a pity that the same can’t be said for the rubbled remains of the deceased middle schools. Let’s hope that Belle Vue House receives treatment similar to that meted out for the Walnut Tree, rather than the horror of a bulldozer!
Look, Babergh, Sudbury is beautiful! Please, let’s keep it that way!
And, whilst we’re on the subject of retention and preservation, what’s going on with the old Conservative Club? Okay, so I’m no fan of old Boris, but he did win the last election, so somebody surely has a little bit of respect for all things Tory. And, in my view, the buildings, if not the politicians, have got to be worth hanging on to! Haven’t they?
Somebody, get on with the resuscitation! Please!
Copyright owned by Jay Cool, January 2020
The Silly-Savvy Salopian in Suffolk: read, believe and write ... 
Typo
“What a pity that the came can’t be said for the rubbled remains of the deceased middle schools.” came – same
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