The Drapers' City Service

The Drapers' traditional New Year's Service was held at St Michael's Cornhill on 8th January 2010, with lunch at the Hall afterwards. The service was enlivened by a splendid address by Professor The Reverend Edward Norman and the singing of Lux Aeterna by Sir Edward Elgar. Click the heading for a video of the choir practicising the anthem, being conducted by Jonathan Rennert.

Elmore Abbey

I have to thank my friend Fr Frowin Reed, a Benedicine friar from Conception Abbey, Missouri, for the discovery that there are many abbeys still buried in the English countryside. Elmore is one of the smallest with only four monks, but it stands in a beautiful part of Berkshire and has a fine church next door. As one of my friends said, it's one of those marvellous places where 'the veil is very thin'.

Click the heading for more photos of the Abbey and our travels

Happy New Year

Wish I could have been in Sydney to see the fireworks at New Year. They looked to be more spectacular than ever, but London and particularly Edinburgh were terrific as well.

Christmas Scenes 2009

Snow

Snow in Hampshire


Snow in Sweden (sent by a friend). The hanging decoration is called a Winter Light. I think we should have them here

Litchfield Carol Service

The carol service at Litchfield is held in the evening on the Sunday before Christmas. The little church is always full and we sing a full dozen carols.

Afterwards, mulled wine and mince pies are served in the village hall.

Christmas at the Orangery 2009

Royal Hospital Chelsea Carol Service 2009

The Carol Service for the Friends of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea was held in the Wren chapel on 10th December 2009. The singing was superb, led by the Royal Hospital choir which is one of the finest in the London. Click the heading for an iphone-quality video of 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing'

You can also see some photos here

The Mission to Seafarers Carol Concert 2009

The choir of Burntwood School. Click the photo for a larger view

The Mission to Seafarers Carol Concert was held as always at St Michael's Paternoster Royal, in the presence of the Princess Royal, accompanied by the chairman of the society, Robert Woods. This year the choir was from Burntwood School and they gave an exuberant and assured performance of both the well-known as well as some little known carols from around the world. Less good were the readers of excerpts from diaries and poems, Dan Snow and Tracy Edwards, who rushed their pieces so that it was difficult to understand them.

Click the heading for more photos of the City at Christmas.

Clic here for some on-line carols

Thomas Miller Carol Service 2009

As in previous years, the Thomas Miller Carol Service was held at St Katharine Cree Church, Leadenhall St with a reception afterwards at the office at 90 Fenchurch St. The chairman of the UK Club, Dino Caroussis, attended the service. Click the heaading for some photos from the event and here for some photos of the City at Christmas.