The book, Doves, Pigeons and Masonry Bees, is an introduction to the history of the North East and indeed Trimdon through the perspective of St. Mary Magdalene Church. It has an expert blend of Christian, social and village history which is in depth enough to give a good understanding, but is accessible to those who do not enjoy history.
“It is with great pleasure that I bring you this insight into the amazing and much anticipated history of the church and village we know and love today. All those many hundreds of years ago when settlers chose this, the highest point on the coastal plain at 569 feet, to build the village that would become Trimdon, they knew little of the turbulent and wonderfully diverse future ahead. Some years later a church was started probably in wood and Trimdon’s connection with Christianity began. In 1145 local people used local materials and provided a building which has grown to form a part of my heart: a sentiment echoed through many villagers! It is a church in which I do not only feel a sense of reassurance, safety and compassion but contentment at not only the architecture but the power of community spirit combined with Christian tradition. From the laying of the very first stone so many things have changed: socially, emotionally and physically. The church has been a window to the transition from minute Roman settlement to a modern village recovering from the effect of employment change and everything in between. It has also so importantly protected the religious believers of this parish and been their friend through times of need and times of joy. It is one of only a few buildings, which I could personally describe as outstanding in every sense, which when combined with the warm and friendly welcome, provides a wonderful place of worship. With that firmly in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join me on this journey through a remarkable history.” ADAM LUKE
