Back: Tours 2010 - 2007
Gloucester Cathedral - April 2010
There is no Gloucester report as the tour was shortly after the death of Rex Whitta and there was much to be done as you can imagine.
Sheila has done a marvellous job in running the administrative side of the OUCC in Rex's stead.
Salisbury Cathedral - August 2010
The weekend of 20-22 August saw the Open University Chapel Choir visit Salisbury to sing at Choral Evensong on Saturday and Sunday and at the Sunday morning Eucharist. Accommodation was at the Mercure White Hart Hotel, conveniently situated just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral Close, which was also the location of Sarum College, where we rehearsed on Friday, whilst Salisbury Methodist Church hosted our Saturday rehearsal. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to use these alternative facilities as we were unable to practise in the Cathedral until after a wedding on the Saturday afternoon.
A particular highlight of the weekend was the first ‘performance’ of David Knight’s beautifully expressive setting of Psalm 23, composed in memory of Rex and sung as the anthem at Saturday’s Evensong. This incorporated a violin solo, played by Esther, Richard’s daughter, which greatly enhanced the tone of the piece. Rex would have been honoured to know he was being remembered in such a way. Sunday’s Eucharist service included the baptism of two infants, necessitating a last-minute change to the order of service and music required. This took place at the unusual, large, cruciform font in the centre of the Nave, where running water continually spills over from the four corner spouts.
As well as enjoying the other treasures of the Cathedral, such as the enormous, working medieval clock and one of four surviving Magna Carta in the Chapter House, members were able to visit some of the many interesting buildings in the Close – Arundells, for instance, the former home of Edward Heath, Mompesson House (now a National Trust property), The Regimental Museum or King’s House, now home to the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum. Others travelled a little further afield to Wilton House, just outside Salisbury, so, despite the weather, which could have been a little kinder, the usual mix of music, culture and companionship, with the renewing of old friendships, made for an enjoyable few days.
We thank David and Richard for all their efforts to ensure a successful weekend.
Back: Tours 2010 - 2007