Dear Friends The seasons of our churches walk in step with the seasons of the natural world. Christmas comes just after the shortest day of the year, and Easter follows the spring equinox (when day and night are both exactly 12 hours), its date shaped by the cycle of the full moon. March brings the … More Clergy letter to the parish – March 2026
This article first appeared in the March 2023 issues of our parish magazine. I can’t remember when I was introduced to this anthem (other than pre-pandemic), but I sang it with the Manchester Chorale, and probably in a couple of concerts. It is scored for two unaccompanied choirs, both singing at the same time, so … More Bring us O Lord God – Words John Donne (15572-1631), Music William H Harris (1883-1973)
I don’t remember who first suggested this song to me, but Tom and I have been singing it at Christmas services in our parish since December 2021. It has also made regular appearances in the parish Digital Advent Calendar since December 2022. Indeed, this year it went out on 19 December along with our parish … More Mid-Winter Bob Chilcott (1955-present)
This month’s letter comes from Rev Steve. “Discipline” is an unpopular word. It makes many think of punishment or a grim routine, pursued for its own sake, and without a smile. Yet actually it comes from the Latin word that means both to teach and to learn… the word that gives us “disciple”, “discernment” and … More February Letter to the Parish
This article was written for the January 2023 issue of our parish magazine. One of my favourite mantras used in these monthly articles that carols are not just for Christmas. They are also for Advent, Epiphany, Lent and Easter. I may be stretching a point, but this piece is here in January to represent the … More This Little Babe – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
This article was written for inclusion in the December 2025 issue of our parish magazine. In mid-December 2024 Rev Christine cam to me with a suggestion of a new anthem for Christmas – “but not this Christmas”, she said, “it’s far too short notice!” I found the sheet music, loved it, checked with Tom, and … More Thorns In the Straw Graham Kendrick (1950-present)
This month’s letter comes from the keyboard of Rev Christine: I pray that each of you has experienced a joyful Christmas, surrounded by family and friends. I also trust you have enjoyed all the traditional trimmings, taken time to celebrate the Christmas story, and had the chance to reconnect with those you may not see … More Letter to the Parish
By now all readers of this blog will be aware that our parish choir took part in the BBC’s recording of the Radio 4 Daily Service Carol Concert at Manchester Cathedral early in December 2025. It was a truly amazing event to be part of! This is what some of our singers said: Christmas started … More Radio 4 Daily Service Carol Concert
In music terms, this is an ancient Christmas Carol, dating from the 16th century. I was only introduced to it two Christmases ago though. Cast your mind back. December 2020 was a bleak time. Only a few people were allowed in our churches, and major festivals and services were pre-recorded. Great efforts were made to … More Myn Lyking
She was so tired, as they walked along, Only his arm kept her from falling down. The child within her clamoured to be born She was not much more than a child herself. The hostel for the homeless, by this time, Was full to overflowing, “It’s the rules,” The warden said, not without sympathy, “There’s … More Nativity Now
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 