From the glorious spectacle of a sovereign’s funeral, unseen for seven decades and never to be replicated on this scale again, Queen Elizabeth II made her final journey to rest with the husband she adored. A solemn ritual, magnificent ceremony but most of all the outpouring of love, devotion and respect that her people wanted to show her. Even those of us sat in front of our televisions, love, accompanied with a great sense of pride was felt throughout.
Prior to Monday 19th September, after many hours and weeks of rehearsing with Basing Singers and Ooh Mama and of course here with Steventon Singers, Saturday 17th arrived. Rehearsals started at 1.30, the first time with The Heritage Light Orchestra, quick break for a sandwich etc, change of tops, shirts etc then back in to a full, sold out hall. Wonderful, what can one say except all the hard work was worth it. A tremendous evening, one of the best, all in aid of St Michael’s Hospice. Even Queen Mary’s College provided everything without charge, so every penny went to this wonderful charity. We had a minute’s silence followed by God Save The King before commencing. Part 1 consisted of…. The Lord Is My Shepherd theme from The Vicar of Dibley. West Side Story Selection. May It Be from Lord of the Rings. Hail Poetry from The Pirates of Penzance. Fiddler on the Roof Choral Medley. The Heritage Light Orchestra Gershwin Selection. A Tribute to Queen from We Will Rock You, which was also accompanied at the beginning by the tap, tapping of spoon against china saucer and cup, followed by stamp, stamp, clap before coming in with ‘Buddy!’ etc. Part 2 consisted of….This Is Me from the Greatest Showman. Speechless from Aladdin. Heart of Stone from Six The Musical. The Heritage Light Orchestra Send in the Clowns. Try to Remember from The Fantasticks. For Your Eyes Only from James Bond Movie 1981. Les Misérables Choral Selection from the Movie concluded this exceptional concert. Roll on the next one!
The following day, Sunday 18th at 7.50pm, we were all invited to join one another in our beautiful little church for a few minutes of candle-lit stillness and prayer as part of the ‘National Moment of Reflection’ and minutes silence. Utterly beautiful.
A beautiful morning, walking with friends, gardening and generally reflecting on life. Many things to look forward to in the village, starting with The Big Coffee Morning for McMillian Cancer on Monday 26th September, do hope you were able to make it. Singing, back in the village hall next week with Steventon Singers, another combined concert coming in March next year! and Breakfast Together on Saturday 22nd October. After which I think, Christmas cake making will start!!!! May get one more BBQ in before then, plenty of gardening to do, lawns to cut. Amazingly now, looking out, no sign of brown grass etc from months before, everywhere looking very lush. One frost down, many to come no doubt. Another beautiful season ahead.