It feels like a very long time since we went away with our pals in October. So much has happened since then, which is why this has sat in my drafts all that time! But I now find myself with some spare time, so here goes: dreaming near Durham.

There won’t be much detail in this blog, really. I’d like to try and capture the feeling of spending a week in the vicinity of the place that Nathan and I met.

We stayed in a village called Middleton-in-Teesdale, a lovely little spot where Nathan, Sophia and I holidayed after Christmas 2023. It’s not too long a drive from the North West but Durham is still accessible for the day. We found the people to be lovely, and this little photo encapsulates what the place seems to be like!

We stayed in a cottage with our friends, the girls sharing a bunk bed room, and Aidan in a travel cot with us. The house was super quirky, consisting of various buildings and outhouses that had all been knocked through.

While we were there, we visited a play cafe (of course!), Raby Castle, Locomotion train museum and had several visits to the local park, set at the bottom of a beautiful hill – photo at the top.

We also had a couple of daytrips to Durham and as we approached, Nathan and I could both feel our troubles melting away. Our breathing deepend and our shoulders dropped. We were giddy to be back in the city we knew and loved so well, and yet at the same time, felt a deep sense of peace.

We saw the sights; had lunch in our favourite bar, The Library, went down the Bailey where we used to live, popped into the college Chapel, had a look around the market and a wander down to the beautiful river.

But it’s the Cathedral that holds the real power for me. Back in 2014, when I visited the first time, I was awe struck. I was on the discernment process already, but so much seemed unknown. Walking around the Cathedral, I could feel God’s presence. When me and Mum got to Cuthbert’s Chapel, she noticed his Saints day. She said ‘Poppy, have you seen Cuthbert’s saint’s day?’. I read: 20th March, my birthday. The hairs on my arms stood on end. From then on, if I was recommended for ministry, the place I was going to train would be Durham.

When Nathan and I were looking at boys names, Aidan held so much meaning because he, like Cuthbert, is a Northern Saint. Aidan’s name is a nod to where we met, and what a special time we had in Durham together.

Coincidentally, Aidan was born on 4th September, Cuthbert’s other saints day!

So, imagine my delight when I noticed that the altar right behind Cuthbert’s shrine in Durham Cathedral is dedicated to St Aidan.

I looked down from my favourite spot with Cuthbert to see Nathan and Aidan hanging out at St Aidan’s altar, just behind. You couldn’t write this stuff!

Is it any wonder, then, that we have been dreaming?

We left Training, Theological College, Vicar School, whatever we’re calling it, nearly ten years ago now. It was an intense and hard time of formation. And it’s not that we’ve forgotten, but now enough time has passed for those trickier memories to have a smaller place in our minds, and for a love of the place, the area, the people, to have a larger place in our hearts.

And, of course, being there with Sophia and Aidan, plus our very good friends, was the cherry on top of the cake.

We love you, North East! Until next time x