Posts By: Graham Stacey

Bob Chilcott ‘Come and Sing’

On Saturday 2nd June, over 100 singers came together in Shipton church for a day’s singing led by the famous composer and conductor Bob Chilcott.  As it was the beginning of the Jubilee weekend, the music chosen had a Jubilee theme, including Parry’s I was glad and Handel’s Zadok the Priest, plus music by John Rutter and Bob Chilcott.

The event was in aid of Ascott-under-Wychwood Pre-school, and raised nearly £2000.  A wonderful time was had by all, aided no end by the wonderful refreshments, and our thanks go to all those who supported the event, not least the singers, some of whom travelled considerable distances for a chance to sing under Bob’s able direction.  We’re also grateful to Oxford University Press for supplying the music used, and to Bernard West, Shipton church’s Director of Music, who acted as accompanist for the day.

The day ended with a sing-through of the music covered during the day, giving a chance for family and friends of the participants, plus members of the church’s congregation, a chance to hear what had been achieved during the day.

Over 50 emails were received after the event from participants and audience saying what a great experience the day had been: “I haven’t been in a church choir for 25 years but, singing with a large chorus where a few breathless pauses wouldn’t be noticed, gave me the incentive.  Then, of course, it was the opportunity to sing with Bob’s direction that was the main attraction.  It was a wonderful day.”

The next major musical event in the Benefice will be a concert by the Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir in Shipton church on Saturday 8th September at 7:30pm.  For ticket information, contact us.  It’s also hoped that we’ll have another ‘Come-and-Sing’ event in the near future.

Benefice opening report – Ready, steady, go!

Ready, steady, go!

The new Wychwood Benefice Centre was well and truly christened and launched on Sunday afternoon, the 13th of May. a fervently wished for sunny day allowed the courtyard to be used for the tea table and a variety of delicious cakes beckoned when curious parishioners had viewed our new creation.

The Centre is on two floors – Polly and the computer, copier etc. as well as Kate and Anne, live upstairs in a charming room, flooded with light from interesting windows. The whole building is pleasantly chapel-like from the outside extending a warm welcome before a visitor enters the door. Granted, the reception room downstairs is small but, seldom will it be called upon to accommodate multitudes at one time. It is a. Intimate space with comfortable chairs and a tiny kitchen attached where cups of tea and coffee can be prepared by eager volunteers from our churches, who will be anxious for ‘drop-ins’ from the community. Amanda Clarke is in charge of these parishioners who will be at the Centre  each weekday morning from 9.30-11.30. She has a good list of volunteers but would love to have more. It would be nice to have two serving together and, of course, summer holidays mean a reserve list would be a good things. Ring Amanda on 832252 if you would like to help.

And now for the pièce de résistence. Decorating the wall in the reception room are three picture of God as seen through the eyes of Wychwood School students. This was a fascinating project for the children and will be a revolving exhibit so that we can see more than the three prize winners. This brilliant idea caused a real stir of interest at the school and will provide a similar reaction in visitors. If you have wondered what this new Centre is about, why not drop in to see and comment on the pictures, stay and visit with the volunteer over a cup of coffee, have a word with Polly in her eyrie [Thurs. and Fri.] and, perhaps, when you leave, a warm feeling of inclusion in somethings rather wonderful will answer your question.