> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Andy Marshall's Genius Loci Digest: 15 Nov 2024 - URL: https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/andy-marshalls-genius-loci-digest-15-nov-2024/ - Published: 2024-11-15T06:30:19.000Z - Updated: 2024-11-15T06:30:18.000Z - Description: Woody’s getting on a bit, but I’ll carry on using this beloved van for as long as I can—to keep that flicker alive, to be a small candle in the dark. - Author: Andy Marshall - Tags: genius loci digest ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/06/Thornton-Le-Beans-6-1.jpg) ## Welcome Thanks for coming along you are very welcome here. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/IMG_1826.jpg) I'm an architectural photographer. I travel around Britain interacting with special places. I work from my camper van called Woody and I share my experiences via this digest. **⚡️** [**View the latest digest and the full archive here.**](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/tag/genius-loci-digest/) **📐** [**My Goals**](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/goals/) **ℹ️** [**Donations Page & Status** ](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/member-powered-photography-donations/) **📸** [**MPP Status**](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/member-powered-photography-status-page/) **🛍️**[**Shop**](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/tag/shop/) --- --- ****PHOTO-HOARD** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/GHALmOmWcAALVtF.jpeg) All Saints, Brixworth - a church built by Saxons incorporating Roman remains. --- ****WORDS** ***'In times of darkness, we are given the opportunity to find our own light and share it.'*** — Anon --- ****OBSERVATIONS** ## There is a crack in everything. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/EDC20EC9-36AB-4665-9551-09DB07F0CB32_1_105_c.jpeg) Great Coxwell Barn **Looking back over the last two years of the Genius Loci Digest, I feel immensely grateful for your support. The Digest hasn’t just kept Woody—the camper van—on the road; it’s given me a sense of purpose, especially through difficult times. Perhaps the most rewarding part of this journey has been connecting with people around the world, many of whom stay in touch, helping to create a unique, supportive community.** Recently, a subscriber shared something that really struck me. They told me that, after reading the Digest, they realised it’s about more than just travel. It’s about the human condition—mental health, wellbeing, inclusion, and diversity. They described it as a candle in the darkness. Words like these spur me on. They remind me of the times I’ve needed to find light in the dark, to gather my courage and press on, even when it felt challenging. I was born in Manchester and grew up in a place called Middleton in Greater Manchester. As a young teenager, I got into a few scrapes (sorry Mum!). One memory stands out: I was in a pub snug with a friend who was being harassed by a group of lads. I remember backing out of the room at first, before finding the courage to go back in and try to reason with them. We managed to slip out of the room unharmed. That day, my presence made a difference, however small. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/5EC255F1-CF01-454C-B879-D163D30311F6_1_105_c.jpeg) I got into a few scrapes... Maybe that’s why I feel strongly about staying present on Twitter (or X, as it’s now known). X, TikTok, Facebook—these have been called the new cyber nations, the places where younger generations feel at home no matter how undemocratic they are. There is evidence that some people align with social media platforms more than their physical communities. Whatever we think of them, these platforms are here to stay, and their influence is undeniable. Recently, I read that *The Guardian* had left X, and my first thought was, “*So they don’t believe enough in the power of their message to stay amidst the fray?*” Sometimes when we're under the spotlight of our present times, it's difficult to find purchase on what to do. I often look back at the wisdom of previous generations when I feel like that. It was my Grandad who taught me that when things are broken you show up and fix them. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/F9l5r_yW8AAZG_6.jpeg) Grandad The internet is broken and the cracks are starting to appear, but there are some wonderful lyrics from the song *Anthem* by Leonard Cohen that seem to capture my zeitgeist—a *raison d'être* for all that I do and believe: *'Ring the bells that still can ring* *Forget your perfect offering* *There is a crack, a crack in everything* *That's how the light gets in'* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/82449387-D611-4B45-97D9-7B0DC7FB1905_1_105_c-1.jpeg) Perhaps my reasoning isn’t perfect—I’m only human —but my intentions are sincere, and I do understand and respect those who have chosen to leave platforms - especially if they have been bullied. Personally, I feel that X, and places like it, are better with me there, however small my voice. With newsletters like the *Genius Loci Digest* and voices from diverse perspectives such platforms have a chance to avoid becoming echo chambers. So, I’ll be stepping back into the room, open to connecting with those who may not share my views. It’s a bit daunting, but I’ll be focusing on sharing, not shouting. We live in an era of polarisation, and I worry that our divided world may eventually unravel—not because of the platforms we use, but because of the way their algorithms discourage genuine dialogue about things that connect us. Remarkably, the places I visit, the beautiful buildings, the architectural heritage of the British Isles seems to be common ground for us all. There's something really interesting and quite hopeful in that - for it has us all talking. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/GUcDRJDWMAAtq7i.jpeg) St. Govan, Pembrokeshire Woody’s getting on a bit, but I’ll carry on using this beloved van for as long as I can—to keep that flicker alive, to be a small candle in the dark. No matter what’s happening in the world, I’m committed to writing this digest, week by week, and sharing its message in every corner —both real and cyber—for as long as my hand can hold a pen. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let's keep talking to each other. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/Andy-Marshall-2-2.jpg) --- **I put my heart and soul into the Genius Loci Digest and it takes a day a week to produce. With your support, I’m able to keep this digest free and public facing. 📸🏛🚐** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/St.-Melengall-Aerial-2-1-1.jpg) ## Can you help support this Digest and keep Woody on the road? Lots of Member Benefits [Become a Member](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/help-support-the-digest-become-a-member-2/) [](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/member-powered-photography-status-page/) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/11/Beverley-Sun-Risen-16x9-Medium.jpg) ## Sign up for free to Andy Marshall's Genius Loci Digest 🚐📸🏛 Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- ****VAN LIFE** This week has been a remarkable road trip through Northumberland and into Wales, but it's been in the remotest of places. It would be lovely to hear from you if you haven't been in touch before. How am I doing - would you like to see a particular place on the digest? Please do get in touch and say hello. Let's talk. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/dji_fly_20241105_061710_131_1731483775080_aeb.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/11/GcPqmHVWkAEiJy1.jpeg) St. Andrew's, Bolam - a watercolour from my most recent trip to Northumberland. Coming soon. --- [Van Life GalleryMy van, Woody, is my time-travelling machine, taking me to some remarkable places that have altered my mind like wine through water.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/12/Andy.png)Andy Marshall's Genius Loci DigestAndy Marshall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2022/12/D34A81F6-0429-4333-92FF-22D8D680AFCB-202.JPG)](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/van-life/) --- ****FILM AND SOUND** --- ****FOR MEMBERS** [Members’ AreaMembers only content![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/12/Andy.png)Andy Marshall's Genius Loci DigestAndy Marshall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/03/andy-303.jpg)](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/members-area/) [Member Powered Photography Status PageIn essence I’m offering my professional services for free to historic locations in Britain.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/12/Andy.png)Andy Marshall's Genius Loci DigestAndy Marshall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2023/09/IMG_4743.jpeg)](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/member-powered-photography-status-page/) ## Recent Digest Sponsors: [Digest Membership Sponsor: R. Moore Building Conservation Ltd.R. Moore Building Conservation is sponsoring 2 Piano Nobile Memberships to the Genius Loci Digest. 2 Memberships are Available. Applying for a sponsored membershipInformation for those that would like to become a member of the Genius Loci Digest via sponsorshipAndy Marshall’s Genius Loci DigestAndy Marshall CONTACT: RORY MOORE AT R.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/icon/Andy-4.png)Andy Marshall's Genius Loci DigestAndy Marshall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/thumbnail/Rory-1.png)](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/digest-membership-sponsor-r-moore-building-conservation/) [Digest Membership Sponsor: Leisuredrive Campervans Ltd.Established in 1969, we are the UK’s longest standing independent campervan company.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/12/Andy.png)Andy Marshall's Genius Loci DigestAndy Marshall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/size/w1200/2023/11/Pemb-1.jpg)](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/leisuredrive/) --- ****AND FINALLY** **This week's journey is almost complete - but you can see my progress here:** [PolarstepsPolarsteps is the personal travel log in your pocket.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-2e8b43f9b005a27a641e-1.png)Polarsteps![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/thumbnail/index-og-image-dfea47e4852ce159017c-1.jpg)](https://www.polarsteps.com/Andymarshall/14814988-northumbria-north-wales?ref=digest.andymarshall.co) --- ## Sign up for Andy Marshall's Genius Loci Digest Andy Marshall is documenting his travels in his time-travelling camper van 🚐📸🏛 Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/10/St.-John-s-Duxford-improved-unsigned-1-1-1-1.jpg) ## Atelier - My Art Shop [Visit My Art Shop](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/tag/shop/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/01/DALL-E-2023-05-29-16.56.00.png) ## Become a Member Help keep Woody on the road.. [Explore the benefits here](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/memberships/) **Do you know of a company or firm that might be able to sponsor the digest? Sponsorships are now going towards Member Powered Photography and recorded on the** [**Donations Page**](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/member-powered-photography-donations/)**.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/01/no_change.jpg) ## Sponsor a Membership and get your own landing page on the Digest [More information here](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/sponsored-memberships/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/2e/b6/2eb6d776-18dd-41f1-a2d1-b76fa2d605be/content/images/2024/01/8626B8C4-D38A-4802-A8D0-1CF3F5B1A868_1_105_c-3.png) ## Gift a Membership Gifting Memberships are another way to support my work. [More information here](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/gift-memberships/) --- ## Thank You! *Photographs and words by Andy Marshall (unless otherwise stated). Most photographs are taken with Iphone 14 Pro and DJI Mini 3 Pro.*