The friary is on the edge of the Dorset ridgeway, so is set in a glorious natural basin, being on the last significant downwards slope before the sea. It is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and I can't convey the breathtaking setting in photos, but here goes.
The rear of the friary, with refectory (centre) and orchard and Leo House (left), complete with Fr Hamdy snoozing on the kitchen bench
The fruit garden and Kitchen side of the Friary - treading the muddy path up to the barn barefoot (bad idea)
The view from the barn with chapel (right) resplendant in Br Hugh's solar panels
The courtyard with the chapel (right)
The courtyard with the St Francis bird-bath (my name, not the official one, on the left)
The most regular procession - into the refectory - with the Angelus Bell directly above the door
The chapel - at oblique camera phone angle - with Tau Cross Altar and San Damiano Icon
The crucifixion sculpture in the Narthex of the Chapel (should be a bit familiar to readers from St Benets, Cambridge!). I love the way that those crucified either side of Christ seem to hang off him, whilst his arms are raised in triumph. Something a little different.
The Refectory after Dinner
The Avenue. I live in Douglas House, just off the right hand side of this picture. The Chickens are on the left. At the bottom, past John Reynolds' car, is the cemetary, looking out over the downs.
The Sunbathing Cross - not the actual name but I like to sunbathe underneath it
The next post, about the other people volunteering here at Hilfield and our first week together, will be on Sunday. God bless.
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