Categories: uncategorized
Date: 10 November 2003 13:12:17
Up for an early start today (to fit it all in by 11.00)
9am choirpractice, service at 9.30 - a strange mixture of war and peace as usual, we sang the Kyrie instead of the Gloria and an Iona psalm 8 (O Lord, our Lord). The anthem was 'Never weather beaten sail' by Thomas Campion.
Out into the rain - which miraculously stopped as usual in time for the Remembrance Parade. In our cassocks and surplices we made an interesting contrast with the military uniforms of servicemen and cadets.
The last post, together with the lowering and raising of Standards (ie. flags) is always very moving, and singing 'O God our help in ages past). Rather than dying out, each year there seem to be more wreaths laid - a sign that conflicts involving British Citizens unfortunately are not dying out. Ending with the National Anthem, then back into the warm to change and get ready for a parish lunch. A chance to laugh and exchange stories over lunch provided a good antidote to the solemnity of the occasion.
Evensong, with traditional hymns for the occasion, such as 'Eternal Father strong to save'. The anthem was 'Turn back O man' by Holst and the most atmospheric part of the service, the organ voluntary - Elgar's Nimrod. Shivers down the spine time.
To end the evening - a bonfire and fireworks party in the vicarage garden. Eerie mist and smoke swirling above the old tower in the garden, and the full moon peeping out from behind thunderous clouds. Very gothic but not much horror. The adults being bigger kids than the children with their sparklers and competition to see how many hot-dogs they could consume.