The Carol Service
Today was normal for the first two lessons. Well, almost - the Choir
had already left for Eton College Chapel for the final 'tweaks' before
our Carol Service, so some forms were a little depleted. At 9.30 the
bell went and everyone had the final preparations before departure -
hair combed, shoelaces tied, and all those minutiae so disliked by the
average boy!
The coach and minibuses left at 10am, and after a
reasonably traffic-free journey we arrived outside the Chapel at about
1020. It was interesting to see the reactions of some of the boys on
entering this magnificent Chapel for the first time. The Caldicott
Chapel is a fantastic place but bears no comparison to this building,
founded in the reign of Henry VI. It is long, and very high with its
perpendicular architecture.
It was a really good Service. Praise
must go to all of the readers - A Nicol (9.10), M Lambert (11.02), G
Peel (11.04), F Coupland (12.11) and Head Prefect T Curzon (13.01). It is not an easy task to speak in such a big space, and to so many people, especially as he has to remember to clip a little microphone to his chest and have the right piece ready, even before he can begin!
i am sure, though, that everyone would like to give particular praise to D Jackson (13.00), who sang the first solo verse of "Once in Royal David's City." This is always difficult. It is sung unaccompanied, and in a such a big space and with the obvious tension it is easy for the intonation to drift. If it is not spot-on the error is then exposed when the organ and congregation join for the second verse. This did not happen today. It was sung beautifully, and was in tune throughout.
Well done to the whole choir, the readers, Mr Wild, Mr Paget - no, wait. Well done to EVERYONE.
From the Sublime to the Ridiculous ...
... though I'm sure not many boys would describe pizzas as ridiculous. There are some boarders staying in this weekend, and Mrs Snyman took them to the Dining Room to produce their own perfect pizza.
Just started, and hard at work.
A Novela (10.04) with his perfect pizza, which seems to involve large amounts
of ham and tomato!
M Xu tucking in - and there were onion rings and croquette potatoes, too
Oh yes - and a choc ice - and healthgiving fruit as well.
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