Categories: uncategorized
Date: 21 December 2009 12:28:06
A lot of ice on the roads on Sunday morning and not a gritting lorry in sight. I guess what people do on Sundays isn't important enough to need the council to stir themselves. I wasn't brave enough to drive to church but Mr. C. is made of sterner stuff and so we made it. Half the congregation and half the sopranos didn't. 'The Angel Gabriel' (Downing) was pleased with our efforts, given the circumstances. By the evening '9 Lessons and Carols' the snow had started to recede, although it was still very slippery. Reinforcements had arrived in the shape of several students home for Christmas, so the choir stalls were full to overflowing and there were 400 approx. in the congregation, all wearing scarves, gloves and hiking boots. Very festive. A full programme of choir items (including arrangements of 'Adam Lay Y Bounden', 'What sweeter Music', 'Ave Maria', 'Silent Night', 'Jesus Christ the Apple Tree', 'Ding Dong merrily on High') were complemented by 'Away in a Manger' and 'It came upon a Midnight clear' on handbells and several joyous congregational carols. The organist enjoyed himself at the end of the service, playing an arrangement of 'Adeste Fidelis', before we trooped out again into the cold.