On arriving I found a B&B, and the following morning went for a walk around the town. My attention was drawn to the church which towers over the town, and having previously read about the wood carvings in the Stump I went inside.

When I entered the church I encountered the most beautiful piano music I had ever heard. Whether it was the acoustics, the beautiful playing or the surroundings I do not know, but I sat down on the nearest pew and really enjoyed the experience.

After basking in the glow of such musical pleasure – and I might add that I am no music freak – I wandered down to the altar to look at the wooden figures behind it.

As I walked slowly down the aisle I caught sight of a lady who had been sitting playing the grand piano. She was packing up her belongings but told me she visited the church every Wednesday and Saturday, when she was allowed to play the piano. She said she had a grand piano at home but liked to go to the church to meet people.

The last item she picked up before exiting the church was a white cane, leaving this tough old sailor to walk out of the building pretending to wipe his nose but really drying up the tears.

MALCOLM HOLDEN
35 Station Rd, Kiveton Park,
Sheffield