This view of the town is the one I see as I head to the allotment. I have captured it in many seasons. Today I’m posting it because it features one of the town’s oldest and most notable landmarks at the heart of our town – Holy Trinity Church which dates from the early Middle Ages and was once part of an impressive priory complex. And the reason for doing that is because its current vicar, Matthew Stafford, also known as ‘the mad vicar’ is featured in a 4-part BBC series A Vicar’s Life. The programmes follow the parish duties of three vicars in the rural Hereford diocese (of which Much Wenlock is a part although in Shropshire) over a one year period.
I adhere to no church or dogma, but I do have a lot of time for Matthew Stafford and the work he does in the community. If you watch only the first four minutes of this first episode you will perhaps see why. You will also be treated to bird’s eye views of Wenlock and see Matthew out and about in the town, as well as arranging a marriage at my local hairdressers.
Tish Farrell 
I wonder if Vicar’s Life will be available for viewing in Canada. Your post piqued my interest to watch it, Trish.
It’s annoying when interesting YouTube films aren’t generally viewable.
I must watch this series…and I do want to come and visit you in Much Wenlock. Love your Vicar:) and MW looks fantastic. I am off to Wales to this summer in July and so I might by and see you then….will keep you posted. Thank you, Tish for a very enjoyable post. Janet 🙂
Would be lovely to see you, Janet.
Beautiful photo of the village and the video gave me yet another taste of village life in rural England, very nice and interesting too.
So glad you enjoyed it.
But the big question: Did you go to the wedding?
No, I’m sorry to say. At one point in June Matthew did ask Graham if he could have his multi-coloured Maldives fish shirt to wear for the occasion. Now that would have been a riot.
What me? Upstanding member of the Civic Society? Matthew’s anyway a very good egg.
Thanks so much for sharing this Tish. I had only intended to watch the first few minutes, but ended up watching the whole episode. So lovely to see your town, but I also enjoyed the programme. I’m not religious, but have always been impressed by ministers who actually reach out and touch people’s lives.
That’s exactly what we thought, Su. We really enjoyed the episode, and hats off to these vicars for their caring kindness.
I was quite weepy when Ruth (?) was talking about her warden’s funeral. They did all seem such lovely, kind people. And your vicar is an absolute hoot!
We haven’t had him long – which is rather why we know what a difference he makes to the town. Ruth looks a lovely woman too. We went to a funeral lately – the first we’d been to that was conducted by a woman. And it seemed so very natural to have woman presiding over the rite. I think women priests will make a big difference in communities, and boy to we need them. Our social services seem to be on their knees.
I think you’re right. Outside of the church, so many celebrants are women and it seems totally natural. I am hearing so much about the dismantling of social services in the UK, and it is terrifying. Mind you, things aren’t that great here either. And churches are increasingly filing the gap — like the City Mission which feeds the needy of an increasingly large scale.
What a great video, Tish!
It is, isn’t it. I think we’ll definitely watch the other episodes.
Thanks Tish, this is really interesting, Matthew is very genuine and normal.
He works very hard and helps a lot of people who are not church goers.
I wonder whether it will be available in the US.
janet
I really enjoyed this. The scenery is wonderful and Much Wenlock must be a nice place to call home. I do hope thought when you say you don’t adhere doesn’t mean you don’t care about God because He certainly cares about you. Just saying…
Thanks for that kind thought, Beverly.
A scenic trail to the allotment makes the effort worth the while -no wonder you are out and about in all weathers. must watch your vicar later – genuine and normal as the Good Shepherd – just what the church needs –
And he makes everyone laugh!
Your photo is wonderful with that misty background and sharp foreground, and I enjoyed a snippet of the vosdeo
Thanks, Meg.
I thoroughly enjoyed the video. What a delightful and very English village you live in Tish. I looked carefully at the people outside the church and wondered if you where there. Like you I do not go to any church or follow any religion but realise that following a religion can be a great comfort to some people. We have 2 sons and their other halves, who are fervently born again christians, but they have long since accepted us for what we are (living in sin,!!) and stopped trying to convert us….I will see if I can find the other episodes, maybe you will be in the local market scenes…
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Pauline. No, I wasn’t outside the church. We mean to watch the other episodes just to check if we’re around! Much Wenlock is a lovely little place, but here, as in many rural areas of the UK there is much social and economic deprivation. Also we have a very elderly population – 90s to 100 yrs being a significant tranche. And then there’s the problem of dwindling social services, so the church does provide an important sense of community for many people, and it’s used for all sorts of social gatherings, concerts, coffee mornings/soup lunches etc. It is also very peaceful. I sometimes go in there when its empty to think.
I would love a link to the next episode, or maybe I can find it on YouTube. When will it be screening?
I think they’re all up there at the moment. In fact the next episode might well follow on from the link. Anyway here’s #2 https://youtu.be/A1v0GjuZTVo
Thanks Tish I watched it this afternoon sitting under the aircon. I love the scenery. I chuckled at Mathews father telling him not to push Jesus down his neck….
I thought that was a good bit too. I’m glad they included the godless view since that applies to quite a few of us.
BBC documentary programmes usually give a balanced view. Last night there was a documentary on your Iron Bridge, very interesting
I remember you mentioning him when we were chatting, Tish. What a lovely man! I confess I didn’t watch it all but if I’d been at home I would. Did a fast forward to the wedding. Fantastic! 🙂 🙂
He and his wife walk their labradors past our house most days. Always a cheery sight.
He seems such a nice guy. 🙂
Even the godless in the town agree. In fact I’ve heard the congregation has been swelling since his arrival.
I will have to see if we can get that show!