Andy Marshall's Genius Loci Digest: 15 Nov 2024

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PHOTO-HOARD

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.

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.

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.

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'

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.

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.

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. 📸🏛🚐

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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.

St. Andrew's, Bolam - a watercolour from my most recent trip to Northumberland. Coming soon.

FILM AND SOUND

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