Photo exhibition tours Devon churches

Scientists, farmers, musicians and MP in it

Devon scientists, farmers, former members of the armed forces, students, priests, musicians and Exeter’s MP Ben Bradshaw all feature in a new photo exhibition touring Devon churches.

Called 'This Is My Story'  it features black and white photos taken by military chaplain the Rev’d Huw Ryden, together with short stories about what being a Christian means to the people shown.

The exhibition was opened by the Bishop of Plymouth at St Pancras church in Exeter.

The Rt. Rev’d James Grier, Bishop of Plymouth, said:“I love the fact that in churches which have been places of story for hundreds of years, we bring today's stories. I can't think of anything better than this exhibition being all over Devon in a small village church where someone might stumble in to see the people of the church, the living stones of the church."

The launch was attended by a number of people whose portraits and stories are in the exhibition, including Barry Green, a forester from Christow, who has experienced homelessness. 

He said "I feel honoured to be part of this exhibition and very moved by all the stories. We hold the key to letting God into our lives and This is My Story reinforces that." 

Anne Foreman, who shares her story about her grief at being suddenly widowed, said "I was a bit nervous about taking part, but it was powerful having my photograph taken, because the photographer found something in me that I thought had gone. 

“I look happy, and I haven't always been happy in recent years so that was a joy to see." 

'This is My Story' is at St Pancras, St Stephen's and St Petrock's churches in Exeter until Friday 5 May, when it will move to St David's church. 
It will also be at the Devon County Show and Exeter Cathedral in May, before going on tour across Devon.