Mary and I went, as is our custom, in August to the Three Choirs Festival, this year at Hereford where there is always a very friendly atmosphers. I'll mention just a few of what were for us the highlights of a great week.
The Sunday morning Catherdral Eucharist was to a setting by Denys Darlow specially commissioned for the Festival. The Dean preached about settings for the mass, commended singing the Creed as emphasing the spirit not the letter and thus avoiding use of doctrine as a hurdle, and made special mention - by actually singing it - of how Darlow's Agnus Dei yearns for peace.
Sunday ended with Elgar "The Kingdom" - a very moving presentation of Pentecost and the life of the early Church. (One wonders about its impact on the performers - the Philharmonia Orchestra and Festival Chorus under Geraint Bowen and soloists Judith Howarth, Catherine Wynne-Rogers, Adrian Thompson and Roderick Williams.) Yet by the time of its first performance in 1906 Elgar had long lost his Christian faith!
Later in the week we heard the Dean again - speaking on The Legacy of The English Hymnal (published in 1906). Prime movers were Percy Dearmer (anglo-catholic socialist cleric) and Vaughan Williams (enthusiast for corporate, community activity [singing in unison] but not a churchgoer). In the late 19th century, hymn standards were low and anglo-catholics, in contrast to the founders of the Oxford Movement, over-emphasised ceremonial. Nothing but the best should be offered in worship, but new sources were found, including American hymns and folk tunes, and provision was made for the structure of the liturgical year.
Initially it was controversial, particularly for including hymns on Our Lady and the Saints. It was banned by some bishops. But, the Dean noted, John Wesley agreed Mary was indeed "full of grace". What is now being celebrated is not a book but a movement, a movement which continues in new publications such as "New English Praise."
The final concert on Friday evening comprised Shostakovitch "Tahiti Trot" (based on "Tea for Two" from the musical "No, No, Nanette" and for which the composere was forced by his Soviet masters to make a grovelling apology); Ravel "Ma mere l'oye (Mother Goose); Stravinski "Pulcinella Suite" and as a stunning climax Walton's "Belshazzar's Feast". The Philharmonia Orchestra, Festival Chorus and Soloist Neal Davies, under Geraint Bowen, were magnificent. This was followed by wine, finger buffet and fireworks in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace.
Last Thursday, 7th September, I made my annual pilgrimage to Lords. It was 61 years ago I first visited the Home of Cricket to see a "Victory Test" between an England XI and a team of Australian servicemen, including the then unknown Keith Millar. Lords was absolutely crammed full on that very hot Bank Holiday Monday. Last Thursday was warm enough, but the crowd numbered perhaps two or three hundred – for the second day of Middlesex versus Notts. I made my way to the upper tier of the Compton Stand, named after my boyhood hero Dennis Compton (hence my lifelong support of his county). Perhaps I should have gone on the previous day when Dennis's grandson Nick Compton opened the batting (with Hutton!) and carried his bat for 103 not out. Thursday was a bleak day for Middlesex, on their way to an innings defeat and relegation. Their bowling was weak and carted all over the ground by Smith, Fleming and Patel, each of whom made centuries. Patel reached 50 with two successive sixes and repeated that an over later.
Cricketers' dress has changed in recent years. County cricket at least is still played in whites, but the front of Middlesex shirts was emblazoned with "Northern Rock" while Notts players had a number on their backs together with their names (though you needed binoculars to read the names). Crowd dress is varied. In the pavilion, of course, gentlemen wear ties and there is a notice on the Warner Stand (for members and friends) advising that sports clothing, frayed jeans and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. There are no rules for the plebs elsewhere. Sitting in the Compton Stand were two men of "mature" years displaying shirtless red backs on a not too hot day. Another younger man near me was wearing just shorts. But when he got up to go he put on over his shorts a business suit, white shirt and tie and black shoes.
Lords is really like a small city. As well as the field of play and stands, there are shops (for sports goods, books, sweets), a museum, a training ground with a fitness centre, statues and drinking fountains, advertising hoardings, numerous bars, a restaurant and places for people to meet. In fact there's plenty to do and see without bothering about the match!