Wareham...

Sunday morning, still in Wareham. The heat has gone, as have the thunder and lightning. It’s back to something more seasonal: just pleasantly warm. I wrote 1,500 words of my book before breakfast, then went, on a whim, to a service at St Mary’s Church. Very traditional, apart from a female vicar (and maybe that’s almost traditional now). Towards the end of the service everyone wandered around, shaking hands with each other. I’m sure there are social benefits in going to church every Sunday, especially for those who are old, unwell or feeling lonely.

The members of the congregation sang the hymns, gave the appropriate responses, said the Lord’s prayer, etc. The sound of the words are comforting, as is the repetition; I wonder how many of those present really wonder what the words actually mean…

Poundbury... the building on the right is the Duchess of Cornwall pub, modelled on the Ritz Hotel. On the left is Strathmore House, seemingly taking its inspiration from Buck House...

Funeral parlour, Poundbury...