The Big One, St Paul’s

 Dear Reader

Today was the Big Event of tour. St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

If you are observant, you will notice my absence from the photo above, along with several of my colleagues. Sadly, this happened. 

After nearly four years and six vaccinations I finally succumbed to the dreaded Covid. At the worst possible time. My multiple vax status has meant I only feel a bit rotten, like a cold, but I do feel sad to have missed the day. And to miss Windsor tomorrow. I was grateful for the considered medical advice provided by Dr Ritesh, father of one of the trebles, who also updated my supply of paracetamol and ibuprofen. 

So I am relying on others for the report about this special day. 

The good bits started with four of the young Lay Clerks heading to St Paul’s for singing lessons with my friend Patrick Craig, who is an Alto Lay Vicar at St Paul. In have yet to hear from Nicholas, Marco, Charlie or James, but Patrick was very complimentary about their singing. This is what he said: Such a lovely gang and all singing so well. Delighted to meet them all with their easy techniques and excellent German! Huge thanks for sending them over. And huge congratulations to their regular teachers (and parents!) who are doing a fab job! Do hope they enjoy Evensong. Do hope you can make a quick recovery. Sending love and thanks. Px

They then had a tour of St Paul’s before singing the service. Canon Jenny sent me the attached, which is lovely. 

They sang Radcliffe Responses, Howells in G Canticles and Whitbourn’s The Magi’s Dream. I’m not able to tell you about the psalm or postlude at this stage. Afternote: I’m advised the Canticles were changed to Martin’s St Paul’s Buffalo.

Here is a pair of Michaels happy to be at St Paul’s.

And David’s God’s Eye view

And here was the Care Package Bella brought for me. She had already brought my breakfast and later brought lunch.

So, Dear Reader, enough for now. I will get some more photos from my colleagues to make this a more interesting post. 

Cxx