Tuesday 26th September 2023
Hartlepool is a small port town in North East England. It dates back to the original settlement on the Headland in the 7th century and the new town was known as West Hartlepool from 1835. Railway lines and a port are a winning combination and as the town grew with shipbuilding and coal field links, it became a target for the Germans in the first World War. 117 people died due to the bombardment of shells on the 16th December 1914. It's an unusual town in that the old New town was moved away from the water's edge and it feels a little disjointed. But it's a town that houses a lot of my family and for that I'm grateful.
We decided to explore the repurposed main town church which was housing an art gallery and tea room. The old Christ Church was built from materials excavated to build new docks built during the industrial revolution. It was interesting seeing the benches and flowers over the pedestrian area. There's an art college housed in some old red brick buildings and opposite these, is the old department store building that sadly saw today being the last day of Wilko shops having it's doors open. Lockdown and online shopping claims another retail casualty.
Unfortunately the church tea room was full so we stopped by the Mark's and Spencer Cafe for a quick cuppa. I was surprised by hundreds of students out for their break and it was good to see some of the remaining food shops feel their bank accounts increase with the students' money.
I had another therapy client early evening which always leaves me in a state of awe at how marvelous our human bodies are, and the capacity of which, people can function in their daily lives after experiencing severe and hectic trauma. We're truly astounding and I'm very honoured to be able to help people in small (and sometimes big) ways.
Yup, feeling grateful again.
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