CE Peterborough Cathedral 19th Oct 2011

[ardcarp]

Dear Aunty

Whether it was the right thread or not, your message is most welcome. We should put our petty squabblings aside and with you glory in our good fortune. Attendance at CE varies quite a lot and it is not unusual for the choir to outnumber the congregation. This does not matter one jot because the whole ethos of the daily office in a cathedral is that worship and praise are rendered by the choir on our behalf. So, foggy evening, temperature near freezing, one man and the virger in the congregation...no matter; it should be as good as a live broadcast. That's the theory anyway!

[mangerton]

Matthew 18:20. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

[decantor]

... one little thought. I’ve just heard some of the best singing I’ve ever heard, with a fantastic choir, in this indescribably beautiful building, but the people in the choir outnumbered those of us in the church. Why is it that we have one of the greatest assets in all world music in these cathedral choirs and only a handful or two of people turn up to listen to them? It’s quite extraordinary.

[Thought people would find this interesting - should really be a new thread, but I don't know how to do that. AuntyKezia]

What is rather more extraordinary is that Melvyn Bragg should find the lack of congregation extraordinary - I thought he had his finger on the nation's cultural pulse. It is, of course, disappointing that so much fine singing should go largely unheard, but so many people lead busy lives.....

The other side of the coin is that on big occasions (Christmas etc) and for concerts, those huge ancient buildings are often packed to the rafter - there is a sudden upsurge of local (and distant) interest and pride in what the choir can deliver. And admiration for the choirs extends well beyond those in attendance..... it's good to know that Lord Bragg has now joined us! Thank you, Kezia, for the post.

[crb11]

Coincidentally I was in Wells on holiday just a couple of weeks ago and went to CE and was surprised at how many were there given the size of the city - about 70, I think. Don't have any reason to think it was a special date.

[DracoM]

Is it possible for those NOT interested in Peterborough's valiant CE to start another thread to talk about Protests in / around /St Paul's?
Seems to me that the topic has wandered far enough away from CE for it to be itching to be liberated to a wider audience.

[french frank]

Is it possible for those NOT interested in Peterborough's valiant CE to start another thread to talk about Protests in / around /St Paul's?
Seems to me that the topic has wandered far enough away from CE for it to be itching to be liberated to a wider audience.

Moved to "Protesters and St Paul's".

This thread for comments on the Peterborough CE.