The Yew has the ability to live through millennia and its amazing powers of renewal in the face of death, to rejuvenate itself when damaged, have made it a symbol of endurance and transcendence through time.

Its evergreen canopy meant it was the only tree that would provide shelter in winter to tribal folk living in the large forests of Britain and Ireland. And it became a tree, like the oak, to be revered. For most people nowadays the yew is associated with death and burial; it is seen in churchyards and its dark foliage is frequently used by poets to signify loss. However even before the arrival of Christianity the yew was already connected with spirituality, and not only was it to signify death, but also birth and resurrection.

The oldest living yew trees may stretch back in time to the Bronze Age. The yew tree at Fortingall is thought to be about 8000 years old, and legend has it that Pontius Pilate played amongst its branches. Recently, to celebrate the Millennium, many churches planted a Millennium Yew, taken from a cutting of an old yew tree which would have been growing at the time of the birth of Jesus.

Photographic Exhibition,

The exhibition by naturalist and photographer Andy McGeeney displays the beauty and wonder of ancient yews. The images are supported by fascinating accounts of their unusual ecology, mythic status and historical significance.

The Performance of Yew - Time Past & Time Present will celebrate and explore the multiple meanings of yew through live poetry and a cappella singing. Themes embedded in the images of yew; our place in time in the face of eternity, our connection with nature, transformation of loss, spirituality. And also that of relationship, that what transpires between self and other, I and Thou.

Tickets £ 6. / £ 4. Concessions

Tel 01223 812363

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