Snap!

When we were at Aberfoyle on Sunday, a few of us took some photos of St Mary’s church and, of course, the assembled choir, for use in the local Church Newsletter. This will be retained in the archives, and, probably, occasionally looked-at over the coming years.

We all try to preserve a written or photographic record of outstanding events in our lives, and rightly so, but what about the not-so-important ones? I have been keeping a daily diary since 1958, and have been slowly reducing it to an autobiography. Not from some narcissistic wish to remember my life, but to record something for the children and future historians.

What I found interesting was the number of bits of information I had kept, like my wages, the price of petrol, what we paid for our first house, what we ate for breakfast nearly 50 years ago, bus timetables, when we stopped getting milk in bottles, the video out-takes from weddings…… All were not tremendously exciting at the time in the writing, in fact mundane. But from a historical point of view, someone will find them interesting.

So can I appeal to you to record not only the things which are important to you, but also those which might turn out to be important to your children, and your children’s children.

My parents and most of my uncles and aunts are dead, and there are now many questions I wish I had asked them, but didn’t. So ask that question now, and take your camera everywhere   ……..Because you rarely get a second chance!

A magically-musical Sunday

This Sunday is treated as the Feast of St Mary, the mother of Christ, and we spent it in two Churches with her as the Patron Saint…….St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Glasgow, where we heard the marvellous choir, supported by an oboeist, flautist, and pianist, as well as the organ. A wonderfully-eclectic group of anthems and hymns.

In the afternoon, our musical group (the Angelus Singers) went off to practise in St Mary’s, Aberfoyle. A lovely example of simple rural architecture, set in phenomenal countryside, it exuded warmth, and peace. We joined with the organist, and local singers, and practised lustily through the afternoon.

After refreshments, we sang the office of Evensong, and the Sermon was by Bishop John Crooks, who was a one-time Rector there. A good congregation certainly seemed to be inspired by the ancient words of the Liturgy.

So, two different experiences in one day, but still with a common purpose…..worship. No matter the different sizes and location of the two buildings, the numbers of those worshipping, the perfection of the singing, I hope that  the same effect was achieved and that we all went off with our spirits lifted…..and when that can happen twice in one Sunday, can anyone ask for more?

So thanks to ALL those in both Churches who have made this a wonderful Sunday for an old codger who just loves music!