Early February 2009, and a heavy fall of snow over much of the country. London was particularly badly hit, with the capital blanketed under several inches of snow. The worst snowfall in London for 18 years according to the banner headlines.
Not so badly hit in Peterborough, but a couple of inches probably. I like it when it snows. Just a chance to become a child again for a little while. I daresay adults, who should know better, all over the country were sledging or building snowmen...or like me just out and about with the camera.
I fell lucky here as we had the chance of finishing early at work. Ended the working day at 2PM and heading straight out to Holy Trinity church at Orton Longueville.
There had been a partial thaw in the morning, but it was snowing again by the time that I reached Holy Trinity, with much of the snow that had thawed being replaced.
This is a church in a picturesque area at the best of times, with its large church grounds stretching for a distance to the south, and surrounded by trees. This looked really beautiful covered with snow. Took a dozen or so shots, three included here, and then headed off to Orton Waterville. Did precious little here, to be truthful, as I had shot that church during the last fall of snow in the area, which amazingly was on Easter Day 2008, and just as well really as my batteries ran out whilst I took which few pictures I did.
So, after popping in to the local shop to get new batteries, I headed off to Alwalton. This was another church that I had photographed last Easter Sunday. On that occasion I was battling against one of the quickest thaws that I had ever experienced. I am old enough to remember when snow was snow...and stayed on the ground for days at a time, rather than giving up the fight and disappearing in a few hours. They don't make snow like they use to!
So, a little more time to look at things closely, the only problem being the snow covering my camera lense. By this time, this was past three o'clock and it was absolutely filthy out. At times like these I never know if I am keen or stupid...but with so little snow falling these days you have to make the most of it whilst it is there!
As you would imagine, light quality was pretty dreadful by that time. But three photographs included, including the cherub face below left, with covering of snow.
Stood under the cover of a welcoming tree, I was able to get some photographs of the snow covered church grounds at St Andrews, with some delightful seventeenth century stone cottages on the other side of the main road. Alwalton is a great place to see Grey Squirrels, none in evidence here today though. Silly question probably, but do squirrels hidernate....or have they just got more sense that to come out on a day like this?
The exterior shot on the left, and the long distance shot of the spire below that were both taken on the way to work, earlier that morning. You may be able to pick out the driving snow at the time that this photograph was taken.
I had optimistically hoped to be able to see the church of St Kyneburgha at Castor in the background of this photo. It is there somewhere, believe me, but lost amidst the gloom.
I don't usually photograph any graves that are post 1850. A sensetive subject and when I photograph a grave it is to preserve the art and the craft of the sonemason who carved it. However, I did photograph a 20th century grave in the grounds at St Michaels. A little angel, with one damaged wing, and a covering of snow on top. Exquisite!
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