Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple - Olbury Birmingham England 271213

Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple - Olbury Birmingham England 271213

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The Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple is one of the largest temples for Deity Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) in Europe. It is on the Dudley Road East, A457 behind the Meadows School in Trividale, West Midlands, England on the border between Tipton and Oldbury. It was designed in the style of the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, India which is the second busiest and richest and richest religious centre in the world after the Vatican. 

It opened on 23rd August 2006 and was consecrated in a five day ceremony between 23rd and 27th August. The Vishnu incarnation Lord Venkareswara is the presiding deity, with two other deities either side of him in the main temple - his wife Padmavati , an incarnation of Vishnu's wife Lakshmi and Hanuman the monkey God featuring in the Ramayana epic.

Outsided the two small Shiva temples to his sons Ganash and Murugan, along wiht a hall for Navagraha or small astrological representations of nine celestrial bodies. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik/Tividale_Tirupathy_Balaji_Temple

www.youtube.com?watch?v=s_HxjV3XQCs

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/preview/place/Shri+Venkateswara(Balaji)+Temple+of+UK/@52.5121217,-2.0340693,16z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x725d8df95f988b14

Newborough Forest and beach area Anglesey North Wales 070913

Newborough Forest and beach area Anglesey North Wales 070913

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One of the photographs below show the island with lighthouse and the cross.

According to ancient legend Llanddwyn became an island retreat for Wales patron saint of lovers. The maiden Dwynwen fell in love with Prince Aaelon who tried to seduce her. She resisted his attentions and they parted in bitterness. She lived as a hermit on the island for the rest of her life.  St Dwynwen  parton saint of lovers (the Welsh St. Valentine)

Modern Newborough was founded by citizens of Llanmaes in eastern Anglesey who were evicted by Edward I in 1294 in order to promote the new port of Beaumaris. It was literally established as a "new borough" and gained its charter in 1303. In the 16th century Newborough was the county town of Anglesey. It was home to a thriving marram grass industry, used for producing matting. nets and rope.

From 1541 to 1553 constituency of Newborough returned a member of the English Parliament.

The Forrest Commission car park at Newborough Beach charge is currently £3. Walk from the car park on to the beach and turn right (heading north in the direction of Llandwyn Island) towards the rocky area at Lladdwyn Island. 

Beyond this lies Mallraeth Bay and an area used by Naturists. The walk form the car park is a total of 2 or 3 miles. 

Lladdwyn Island above the Island of lovers.

Coventry Cathedral and area Warwickshire 020613

Coventry Cathedral and area Warwickshire 020613

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Coventry has had three Cathedrals in the past 1000 years: the 12th century Priory Church of St Mary, the medieval Parish Church Cathedral of St. Michael and the modern Coventry Cathedral, also named for St Michael. Coventry's fortunes and story are closely associated to the story of its Cathedrals - a story of death and rebirth. 

Coventry's earliest cathedral, dedicated to St Mary, was founded as a Benedictine community by Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and his wife Godiva in 1043. Built on the site of a former religious house of nuns, its sheer size is some indication of the wealth which Coventry acquired in the middle ages. 

In 1539, with the dissolution of the monasteries, the See of Coventry and Lichfield waas transferred to Lichfield and the former cathedral fell into decay. Only in 1918 was the modern diocese of Coventry created in its own right, and the church of St Michael designated as its cathedral.

The majority of the great ruined churches and cathedrals of England are the outcome of the violence of the dissolution in 1539. The ruins of St Michael's are the consequence of violence  in our time. On the night of 14th November 1940, the city of Coventry was devastated by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe. The Cathedral burned with the city, having been hit by several incendiary devices.

The decision to rebuild the cathedral was taken the morning after its destruction. Rebuilding would not be an act of defiance, but rather a sign of faith, trust and hope for the future of the world. It was the vision of the Provost at the time, Richard Howard, which led the people of Coventry away from feelings of bitterness and hatred. This has led to the cathedral's Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation, which has provided spirtual and practical support, in areas of conflict throughout the world

Shortly after the destruction the cathedral stonemason, Jock Forbes, noticed that two of the charred medieval roof timbers had fallen in the shape of a cross. He set them up in the ruins where they were later placed on the altar of rubble with the moving words "Father Forgive" inscribed on the Sanctuary wall. Another cross was fashioned from three medieval nails by the local priest, the Revd Arthur Wales. The Cross of Nails has become the symbol of Coventry's ministry of reconciliation.

Her Majestic the Queen laid the foundation stone on 23rd March 1956 and the building was consecrated on the 25th May 1962 in her presence. The ruins remain hallowed ground and together the two create one living Cathdral.

Hereford City Centre and Cathedral 081213

Hereford City Centre and Cathedral 081213

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There are a lot more photographs on my Flick 101. It was the first time I had been to Hereford and I really enjoyed the day. I only covered the area about the Cathedral.

The Cathedral is an amazing place and the grounds at the back has a wonder garden area. 

Well worth a visit if in the area. There was a lot more to see and do but did not have the time. You can see that they are doing a great of new building as you drive into the City Centre. 

http://www.herefordcathedral.org/

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hereford+Cathedral+School,+Hereford,+United+Kingdom&hl=en&ll=52.054602,-2.71476&spn=0.008022,0.021136&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=42.174768,86.572266&oq=hereford+cathedr&t=m&z=16