Chris Swift
cswift1.bsky.social
Chris Swift
@cswift1.bsky.social
A mass of snowdrops in Kirby Underdale churchyard; the slightly snowy church; the landscape from Garrowby Hill; and the view down the hill - visibility limited. Quite misty.
February 15, 2026 at 1:35 PM
On my way to take a service at Kirby Underdale - in rather wintry pre-Lenten weather.
February 15, 2026 at 10:48 AM
@yorkminster.bsky.social first thing this morning - glad to see the sun.
February 14, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A bit wild on the beach at Sandsend this morning - although low tide a strong wind blowing in the waves.
January 31, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Tempus Fugit

The village churches of Yorkshire possess some exceptional art that has survived across the centuries. They are also surrounded by wildlife protected from modern developments and offer a habitat for nature to thrive.
Tempus Fugit
The village churches of Yorkshire possess some exceptional art that has survived across the centuries. They are also surrounded by wildlife protected from modern developments and offer a habitat for nature to thrive.
chrisswift.blog
January 25, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Reposted by Chris Swift
Delighted to be working this year with the wonderful Kabe Wilson, artist-in-residence at Jesus College Cambridge, who will be creating new Sterne related works to exhibit at #ShandyHall. #LaurenceSterne #art #exhibitions #literature www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/articles/mee...
Meet our new artist in residence
A T Kabe Wilson, an artist, experimental poet and archival scholar will be working with the College until March 2026.
www.jesus.cam.ac.uk
January 13, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Snittering

Language has a powerful way of expressing our visceral experiences in general, and the weather in particular. A memory from Iona in winter is a reminder of the rich vocabulary we have the basic elements in which we live.
Snittering
Language has a powerful way of expressing our visceral experiences in general, and the weather in particular. A memory from Iona in winter is a reminder of the rich vocabulary we have the basic elements in which we live.
chrisswift.blog
January 11, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Reposted by Chris Swift
Glen Baxter (who exhibited at Shandy Hall earlier this year) has interview on Earlier with Jools Holland on BBC Radio 3 at 12.00 - 13.00 this Saturday 22nd Nov #glenbaxter #cartoons #surrealism #joolsholland @ianduhig.bsky.social @constantgardener.bsky.social @internationaltimes.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 7:10 PM
York getting some of its first snow this season - but always looking good. Congratulations to all graduating today in York, Sheffield & everywhere else.
November 20, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Lovely autumn colours in York.
November 2, 2025 at 7:18 PM
The Sun Rising

Luke Jerram's 'Helios' installation at Fountain's Abbey brings an extraordinary light into a place once dedicated to prayer.
The Sun Rising
Luke Jerram's 'Helios' installation at Fountain's Abbey brings an extraordinary light into a place once dedicated to prayer.
chrisswift.blog
October 5, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Lovely to be at St Andrew Bugthorpe this morning - my first visit. Grade 1 listed since the 1960s with a central altar created by Lord Halifax in 1937.
September 28, 2025 at 7:33 PM
The continuing drought impeded my walk today #york.
September 22, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The Aftermath of Absence

As we near the announcement of the next Archbishop of Canterbury it's time to reflect on the state of the Church of England, and what might arise from the Church's long decline.
The Aftermath of Absence
As we near the announcement of the next Archbishop of Canterbury it's time to reflect on the state of the Church of England, and what might arise from the Church's long decline.
chrisswift.blog
September 21, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Reposted by Chris Swift
Met an amazing woman during a visit to SOWETO today. Mama Sithole - gentle, humorous and forgiving. Standing before the iconic photo of her and her brother on that horrific day 16.6.76
September 16, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Reposted by Chris Swift
Why are the tabloids so enraged about every aspect of Angela Rayner’s life? | Zoe Williams
Why are the tabloids so enraged about every aspect of Angela Rayner’s life? | Zoe Williams
Whether it’s her housing, clothes, the restaurants she goes to, or the fact she watches opera and drinks wine, she can apparently do nothing right, writes Guardian columnist Zoe Williams
www.theguardian.com
September 1, 2025 at 4:13 PM
What’s Theology Ever Done for Us?

A debate has been initiated by Sarah Coakley about the place and value of theology in the life of the church. This sees a much more significant place for theology, and a broader range of people involved in creating it, and debating it.
What’s Theology Ever Done for Us?
A debate has been initiated by Sarah Coakley about the place and value of theology in the life of the church. This sees a much more significant place for theology, and a broader range of people involved in creating it, and debating it.
chrisswift.blog
August 17, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Church keys have a character all of their own - and are still in use.
August 3, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Thought Forgery

I have begun experimenting with artificial intelligence. Using the available free programmes I am exploring how AI might be used, and what risks or concerns need to shape my approach. It is fascinating - if a little disconcerting. For example, last week I resurrected the towering…
Thought Forgery
I have begun experimenting with artificial intelligence. Using the available free programmes I am exploring how AI might be used, and what risks or concerns need to shape my approach. It is fascinating - if a little disconcerting. For example, last week I resurrected the towering Anglican Archbishop of the 20th century, William Temple. I asked ChatGPT what Archbishop Temple might say to the Church of England today. At lightening speed, after presumably trawling all available Temple content in cyberspace - and assessing the state of the Church of England today - the headline answer emerged as follows:
chrisswift.blog
August 3, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Language-bearers

Our capacity to create story & express it in ritual is perhaps the continuous defining characteristic of being human.
Language-bearers
Our capacity to create story & express it in ritual is perhaps the continuous defining characteristic of being human.
chrisswift.blog
July 27, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Good to hear one of the @yorkminster.bsky.social ringers speaking on the Sunday programme on Radio 4 this morning.
July 20, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Faith and the City

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the publication of Faith in the City, begging the question as to what the Church is doing in our cities in 2025.
Faith and the City
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the publication of Faith in the City, begging the question as to what the Church is doing in our cities in 2025.
chrisswift.blog
July 20, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Reposted by Chris Swift
Glen Baxter has arrived! Meet him tomorrow, 1pm at Shandy Hall for the opening of 'Glen Baxter - Prints and Drawings' Signed books to buy too @yorkshiredays.bsky.social @yorkgin.bsky.social @theartnewspaper.bsky.social@stephenclift.bsky.social @tonyfoth.bsky.social @northyorkmoors.org.uk
July 4, 2025 at 4:42 PM