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 The Single Brethren's House in Bethlehem dates from 1748 an is an imposing stone building beside the Central Moravian church. This is where single men were accommodated and lived community as part of the overall settlement. The building is now part of the Moravian University.
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 Bethlehem is a town in Pennsylvania USA. Founded by the Moravian Church in 1741, it was laid out on a plan dictated by the principles of the church. A central meeting space or Gemeinhaus was the key space for the early German speaking settlers. This five storey log cabin still survives and is drawn here, its log construction hidden behind more conventional clapboard. It is the largest continually used Seventieth Century log building in the Unites States. In a court beside this is the communal accommodation for women ( a choir house). That for men is lower down on the opposite side of the street. Beside the Gemeinhaus is the current Central Moravian Church it its tall cupola a landmark across the modern city. The settlement is part of the Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage Site along with Gracehill in Co Antrim, Hernhutt in Germany and Christiansfeld in Denmark. (moravianchurchsettlements.org )
 Enniskillen Castle, principal fortress of the Maguire clan to 1585 when it was captured by the English. Of the Maguire tower house of 1428 only the lower level survives. It was significantly remodelled by Captain William Cole from 1607 and the 'water gate' with its Scottish corbeled bartizans added. Its last major remodelling was just before the Napoleonic period when it was converted to a military barracks (1796). it kept that function to 1950 and now houses a regimental museum and the Fermanagh County Museum. Both, as well as the castle, well worth the visit.
 This is Nowanios; The Storytellers, located along the Glenelly Valley behind the former interpretive centre. The pair are on of three location for giants created by artist Thomas Tambo within the Sperrins. The sculptures are intended to symbolize the 'unifying essence of time', bridging past and future, where memories and stories converge. One giant is intended to represent the past, while the other is intended to embodiy the future. Tthe sculpture is a tribute to the tradition of storytelling. The elder Nowanois points to the sky, sharing tales with his younger self about the stars and ancestors who marveled at the heavens. https://giantsofthesperrins.com/giants/nowanois/
 This is Ceoldán the Stargazer, located at the entrance to the Dark Skies observatory in Daragh Forest Park and one of the three Sperrins Giants created by artist Thomas Tambo. Ceoldán strives to capture the brilliance of ‘The Seven Sisters’ choir, a star formation that also represents the 7 guardians of Ireland: Oak, apple, hazel, ash, yew, alder, and elder. The constellation rises prominently above the southeastern horizon at the start of winter, lingering until late March. On a December day, there was still much to see. it is a great addition to this remote area. https://giantsofthesperrins.com/giants/ceoldan/
 Happy New Year. A blustery day to get out ( between the showers) and get a bit of fresh air. This, is one of the Sperrin Giant's - Darrch the Guardian - who stands on top of Mullaghcarn Mountain, part of the Sperrins in Co Tyrone. There is a good path all the way up from Gortin Glen Forest Park and the walk is well worth the effort. The sculptures are by the artist Thomas Dambo and are part of a wider project he has initiated to create Trolls from recycled materials all over the world. 'As an eco-champion, Darach welcomes visitors with open arms, inviting them to gaze upon, reflect upon, and care for the land. Encircled by a ring of stones that she herself carried to the summit, Darach pays homage to the enduring local tradition of generations carrying stones to mountaintop cairns. This practice, celebrated annually on Cairn Sunday (the last Sunday in July), likely traces its origins back over a millennium, possibly rooted in pagan rituals.'giantsofthesperrins.com/giants/darach/
 The wide high street of Marlborough in Wiltshire dominated at one end by its Edwardian town hall of 1902. The building was designed by local architect Charles Edward Pointing. Behind is the 15th century tower of St Mary's parish church. Some nice shops along the high street including a good independent bookshop - the White Horse Bookshop
 The Roman baths which gave their name to the city. The pool is ancient but the surrounding buildings largely a scholarly nineteenth century reinterpretation. The statues overlooking the pool represent Roman Emperor's and governors of Britain. A fantastic space, well worth the visit imparting a direct connection to the Roman use of the city and with a good well presented museum attached. This time of the year was celebrated as 'Saturnalia' by the Romans a week long festival around the winder solstice. In the background, Bath Abbey, connected in the 12th century, a Benedictine monastery until the 1540's, restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860's.
Happy Winter Solstice, the shortest day in the year and a time of rebirth into longer days and spring once again. Celebrated by the ancients often by the alignment of stones basted upon the rising sun. Avebury in Wiltshire is one such place with stones enclosed within a large earthen surround. So large, indeed, that there is a small village within the enclosure. I had the chance to visit during the summer. Originally, the complex consisted of over 700 standing stones and contained the world's largest stone circle. Long stone avenues led to inner circles and at the heart a stone temple. Wonderfull place, full of atmosphere and mystery. Also a world heritage site a thus regarded as being a feature of outstanding value to humanity.   The wonderful East Quay in Watchet a collection of artists studios, craft shops, cafe and holiday lets to the side of the town's harbour. Quite an unexpected sight but warm and welcoming. Well worth the visit. RIBA South West Building of the Year 2023.
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