The ambiguous legislation regarding the latest lock-down restrictions, announced by our prime minister last night, are slowly becoming clearer. I don’t recall the deeply religious Boris Johnson mentioning places of worship last night in his long winded and graph-riddled address to the Nation. However, at the first of two church services I attended this morning, the clergy had received instructions from “on-high” that places of worship would remain closed during the second lock-down of this pandemic. I presume, also, that my third sojourn at The Crescent is also cancelled, particularly if all pubs, bars and restaurants must remain closed.
Yesterday, much of the Lane was decorated for Halloween. Although I find all this somewhat sinister, it was good to know that many of the children, although forbidden the tradition of “trick or treat”, were assured of an enjoyable celebration, encouraged by much organisation and enthusiasm from their parents. I did give permission for my front garden to be used for hiding parcels for the children to find, however, I was unaware of any young visitors in the evening.
Worship at Christ Church, Burbage, this morning, was genteel, simple and “to the point”. Being The Feast of All Saints, numerous people, no longer with us were remembered in person, and a candle lit. Although not on the list, I tried to make a point of commemorating “in my head” family members who were with us not so long ago.
At St. John’s, the Bishop suggested that this service should be regarded as “the first, last and only” Eucharist you would ever attend, and that when coming to take Communion, you should (in your mind) bring someone of personal significance to the Lord’s Table. This was much more meaningful actually in church than I am able to describe here. The choir, which numbered more than the allowed maximum of six, were put through their paces, and the service was full of wonderful music. The order-of-service booklet attributed the Gloria and Sanctus to Victoria, with whom I am unfamiliar, but which my humble research points to Tomas Luis de Victoria c1548 – 1611. The choir also sang two lots of two verses of the hymn “For all the Saints” at the opening and towards the end of the service. So, this turned out to be rather a special event prior to lockdown.
The eagerness to drive home immediately after church, and prepare lunch, escaped me and after loitering briefly in the church car park, I chose to amble down to the Old Hall Hotel in search of lunch. I chose not to have the roast beef; this is often delivered rare. I did have a plate of three plump sausages with mash, peas and chutney. That was piping hot and most satisfactory.
I am at home now, still somewhat nervous about the development of the pandemic, while outside, the wind howls and the rain falls like stair-rods. Tomorrow may be a very nice day; they do occur quite frequently!
Many thanks for reading,
David, 15.40hrs The Feast of All Saints
David's Cruise 