Choristers' Boarder Choir and the Lambeth Conference

Date: Monday 15 September 2008

Miraculously, despite the generally grim summer, as the choristers arrived for Summer Boarder Choir and the Lambeth Conference the clouds lifted to reveal a blue sky which was to stay with us for the next two and-a-half weeks. It did finally desert us on the evening of the closing service, thus presenting everyone with the arresting spectacle of several hundred bishops attempting to juggle buffet supper, glass and umbrella simultaneously! So what will stick in our minds, apart from a fortnight of unforgettable Cathedral and musical experiences?

Well, relaxing impromptu mud baths on the beach at Folkestone which certainly stuck to the body; water-sliding in over 80 degrees; fights with water guns; swimming in the pool up at St Edmund’s, (yes, there was definitely a theme!); swinging like monkeys through the trees at Bedgebury Go Ape, an exciting treasure hunt at Wickhambreaux; and then there was camping! Ah yes, camping! For most of us, that is: did Mr Lambert really find sleeping in the minibus more comfortable than a tent?

On this particular trip, with the help of several parents, we planned a host of exciting ‘bush-craft’ style activities, including everyone having to cook their own breakfast over a camp fire. We had a fantastic time, undoubtedly becoming more self-reliant in the process.

All too soon, it was time for the Leavers’ Dinner, followed by ‘Sob Sunday’ – the last day of the chorister year. Obviously these occasions will always have a poignant aspect, but this year’s leavers could move on to the next exciting stage in their lives with the satisfaction of having given of their best, to the very last, in front of an international congregation, thus showcasing the beautiful musical character of Canterbury Cathedral worship to the world.

There are a couple of other images that just won’t seem to fade…I can’t help but wonder whether any previous Choir House housemasters, upon reading of the chorister who managed to sing Evensong with nothing but a pair of swimming trunks under his cassock, or of the boy who for some unfathomable reason camped in formal black shoes, will faint from shock, muttering ‘never in my time’ - or not! We all had a wonderful time anyway, so roll on Lambeth 2018!