Yesterday Jenefer and I went to the St. Paul's Cathedral Friends Festival. It was a gloriously sunny day with a slight breeze which made it enjoyable. As it was something of an occasion I took my jacket (which I carried!) and wore a tie with a shirt sleeved shirt and shoes.
On the way we walked through Paternoster Square where the tennis-lovers sat in deck chairs watching Wimbledon on a giant screen, serenaded by a school choir who stood there in their full uniforms, singing like angels but oh so very warm!
We are not permitted to take photographs inside the Cathedral, but here is one I took last September when photographers were given free reign for an evening. Graham joined me. This is one of my favourite parts of the Cathedral - the steps leading to the pulpit with part of the North Transept where I often have the feeling that Yvonne is up there looking down on me! I usually sit near here at services.
The Friends met on the OBE Chapel for their AGM but I have been to so many AGMs in my long years that I am sad to say that I dozed off somewhat! Sung Evensong was inspirational with full choir and organ. The chorister singing 'O for the wings of a dove' took your breath away with his clarity and tone. This was followed by a recital by the Choristers whose final item was 'The Lord is my shepherd' as per the Vicar of Dibley. Just magic. The choir boys were interviewed, answering questions from the Friends. with humour and lively young voices.
A buffet supper in the Crypt brought the evening to a close. A garrulous lady hailing from the Philippines enthralled Jenefer and me with her quick whit and charismatic approach to life until we were joined by the Dean. What happened was that the Dean arrived late for supper having escorted the Duchess of Gloucester. Casually walking by our table for four, our new found lady friend sent me off to find a chair as she literally captured the Dean who gave in with good grace - for he and I know when we are beaten by charismatic ladies. The Very Reverend Dr David Ison - for it was he - was an interesting supper companion, generous with his time, kindly and a good listener.
Outside we caught the 26 bus to Liverpool Street Station, driving slowly through the City as it prepared to close down for the night, passing Sweetings (the Fish Restaurant where I first tasted Chablis in the 1960s thanks to Willis Faber and Dumas, Lloyds Brokers no less) and the Mansion House (where Yvonne and I attended a Queen's Scout Reception in the 1970s and Lady MacLean took Yvonne on a tour of the building as she had heard Chief Scout Sir Charles MacLean's speech many times before!). On the Central Line we ran into a happy family returning from EuroDisney. I recognised one of the girls as a GCSE student at the examinations I had recently invigilated - but she looked so different with her Mickey Mouse ears. We all laughed! John kindly met us at the station whilst Jenefer insisted on seeing me across the road and into my house, which was kind for I could have tripped and stayed there in the road all night, dreaming of the lady from the Philippines who assured me that she will be inviting me to dinner with a few of her chums in the Temple! Jenefer has said she will accompany me . . .
