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Fancy a Beach Day? Lyme Regis Day Trip

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  "The Pearl of Dorset" About 25 miles east of Exeter is the costal town of Lyme Regis lying along the English Channel between the Dorset-Devon border.  The beaches and cliffs of the town well known for their fossils because of erosion due to its coastal exposure. Designated as a World Heritage Site, the town forms part of the Heritage Coast, aka Jurassic Coast, and layers of different rock formations spanning over 185 million years are visible. The towns literary fame is attributed to the appearance of the harbor wall, known as The Cobb, in Jane Austen's novel Persuasion  as well as John Fowles novel The French Lieutenant's Woman  and its 1981 film being partially shot here.  A morning well spent wandering the coast and gardens, enjoying a nice sandwich for lunch, and taking in the fresh salty air! The group made it back to Exeter with plenty of time to relax and absorb the morning's splendor before the evening's Evensong.  Blessed with exceptionally ...

Southwark Rehearsals

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  Two Evensongs, One Eucharist, Centuries of Spiritual Practice Hodge was serenaded by the angelic sound of St. Paul’s choir. “It was PURRRRfect!” -Hodge And that’s a wrap!

St. Albans Evensong

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  Evensong at St. Albans Cathedral “Music in worship is not an optional extra; it expresses the height and depth of human experience and exposes the piercing beauty of God in ways that words never can.” - The Bishop of St. Albans, the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith Friday, July 29, 2022 rehearsal for Evensong at St. Albans Cathedral Thankfully after isolation and missed services for some, the entire choir is able to sing together again.  Masks off for a brief moment to capture the first service as a whole! Practicing the procession with the vergers  Choir's-eye view Rehearsal for Evensong Magnificat Be Still, My Soul- Percy Whitlock

Exeter Evensong

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 Evensong at Exeter Cathedral Monday, July 25, 2022 rehearsal for Evensong at Exeter Cathedral

Overcoming Covid Abroad

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The Only Thing We Can Control is Our Reasoned Choice Like our 14th and 17th century ancestors, our pilgrimage was briefly disrupted by the plague. Thankfully with swift and responsible action on behalf of Andy, Arabella, and our tour guide Clive, we were able to stop the spread further and give those afflicted enough time, space, and rest to make a full recovery! During the days there were group activities planned, those who had contracted Covid but were healthy enough to safely wander together had a lovely day exploring Exeter's Quayside. “What Covid (almost) did to my days in Exeter…if it were not for friends in the choir who offered encouragement and stayed in touch.”  Photo and lovely words from David Toliver  Covid can't stop, won't stop, us from having a good time! "Some of team Covid ventured down the Quay (pronounced "key") for a walk along the River Exe featuring tasty wild blackberries and beautiful waterfowl. We even enjoyed coffee and tea at an ou...

The Pilgrimage Begins

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The fun does indeed not stop when the choir is together! Especially when they're waiting to embark on a scared journey sharing their beautiful voices. We've seen some signs which makes us believe we are in good hands!  

Exeter Cathedral: Nearly 1,000 of Tradition and faith

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St. Peter's Exeter Cathedral  The Cathedral of St. Peter, commonly known as Exeter Cathedral is seated on a Roman army camp site with origins dating back to 1050 AD The carved lime stone front of the Cathedral is lined with sculptures, angels on the bottom first row, kings on the middle, and saints on the top row.  "He who... in the long way that I must tread alone. Will lead my steps aright."  -William Bryant 1794-1878 "I enter here from day to day... While the eternal ages watch and wait" -H. W. Longfellow 1807-1882 "When towards thee I can look, I rise again" -John Donne 1572-1631   The flying buttresses along the side are what give the building its support allowing for the long vaulted to ceiling to remain for centuries.  The hourly striking of the Peter Bell. The Nave This Gothic style additions including the world's longest continuous stone vaulted ceiling begun construction around 1290 under Bishop Bronscombe The Astronomical Clock  This ast...