England - Thirsk, Shingle at 23 Kirkgate

A look at any photograph taken of the clinic while Alf Wight worked there will show this sign affixed onto the brick next to the door.  It's amazing that he, along with Don Sinclair, kept a full-time practice going even after the books made him world famous.  Humility stands out as one of his greatest traits.

This is the last to be posted relating to Alf Wight's practice.  It was awesome being here but, sadly, I did note that a vast majority of the other tourists making their way through 23 Kirkgate were older, white-haired Brits in their seventies and eighties.  Granted, we were there on a school day during school hours, but I couldn't help but wonder whether, when these people are no longer here, will James Herriot remain the icon that he is today?  Will interest be gone also, leaving a relic that is largely vacant and forgotten?  Haven't met a young person recently that's heard of James Herriot or read his books, but would like to think that they will experience a renewed look by another generation.

On another subject, I must say that one of the most interesting things I heard on the trip was some of the Brits, with whom we shared breakfast at a B&B in North Yorkshire, referring to James Herriot as Alf Wight, his real name.  They either knew him or knew someone who knew him, or even had a farm where he made his calls.  Really personified someone who is a bigger-than-life character in my eyes.  And the lady who ran the place had the noticeably thick Yorkshire accent so beautifully written within his works.  This is a trip that I will never forget, and this bucket list item was checked off in a big way.

The next three posts have nothing to do with James Herriot, but were captured on or about the premises.  Then off to the church down the street, where he was married...