The Stranger

John and Martha lived in a little thatched cottage on the outskirts of the village, both were retired and in their early eighties. John spent all his life as a carpenter and would make toys for their two children at Christmas, then later made them for his grandchildren … More The Stranger

Deo Gracias – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

About a year ago, the members of Maggie’s Music Makers began working on four movements of Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carol’s”. This is challenging music, and they worked hard. During the 2022 Christmas services three of the chosen movements were ready to be sung. I have written about “This Little Babe” and “As Dew in Aprille” earlier this year. The third is “Deo Gracias”, which translates as “thanks be to God … More Deo Gracias – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Saint Nicholas

Today is the feast day of St Nicholas. Like St Cecilia, who I mentioned a fortnight ago, we don’t know much about his actual life. We do know that he was Bishop of Myra, in what is now Turkey. One of the early legends about him is that he gave three girls a dowry to prevent them having to enter prostitution when their family fell on hard times. He delivered the gifts at night so that he could remain anonymous … More Saint Nicholas

This Little Babe – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

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 flight to Egypt, and the fragility of a new-born baby, sent to be God’s warrior … More This Little Babe – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

January letter from our Primary School

School enjoyed a lovely Christmas Carol Service at St Margaret’s church on Monday 12th December, the first since the pandemic. It was good to so see some of you joining us on the day to celebrate alongside us. Children sang with enthusiasm and happiness and did really well learning the songs, through the expertise of Carol Porter, who continues to support us superbly with our singing development at school … More January letter from our Primary School