Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

 (This film does not feature the entire service.) I was invited to attend a special service at Newbold Verdon Methodist Church led by Revd. Dave Hasledine with John Finney a member of the Magic Lantern Society of Great Britain who brought along his 100+ year old Magic Lantern and collection of original glass worship slides. The Revd. Hasledine and Mr Finney created and led a service that closely resembled the ones experienced by Victorian churchgoers with the lanterns only modification being to use modern LED illumination rather than the more risky paraffin lamps used in the past. After an introduction from Revd. Hasledine Mr Finney spoke of the history of his Magic Lantern before projecting hymns for the congregation to sing in worship accompanied by church Organist Janet James. During the hymns we see a selection of the intricately beautiful hand drawn slides many not used in worship for over 100 years.

In June 2013 the Snowdon Mountain Railway launched The Snowdon Lily Heritage Steam Service to the summit of Mt Snowdon, they invited me along to step back in time and board their 34 seater brand new period style carriage. The carriage built to an original design using modern techniques has been named the Snowdon Lily and other than the glass windows is an exact replica of the type that Victorian passengers would have boarded on their way to the summit over 100 years ago. The carriage was pushed by Enid one of a number of the original steam locomotives still in use by the railway today for heritage experiences such as this. As the service made its way to the summit walkers looked on surrounded by the spectacular scenery that Snowdonia is famed for, an experience the Victorian passengers 100 years ago would recognise immediately. after an hour at the summit we boarded the service for the return trip down the mountain catching fleeting glimpses of waterfalls and wildlife as we des...