EHCCA sang for this service is on Saturday July 25th which was the actual feast day of St James.
Derek Harrison directed and Edward Dodge played the delightful hand-blown organ. There were around 25 singers and the service was taken by the Rev Dr Sarah Forrest
The service was at 4.00 (with rehearsal at 2.00). Because EHCCA had not sung a service for a little while, there was a preparatory rehearsal on SATURDAY 18th July, 9.30-11.30 at St Cuthbert’s, Rye Park EN11 0PU (with coffee/tea available from 9.00).
The music sung at the service was: Introit: Introit: Parnell – Day by Day (dedicated to EHCCA); Responses: Ebdon; Canticles: Stanford in C; Anthem: Look at the world (Rutter); Final Amen: Madden
Regarding the church itself, this description is taken from the church’s website: St James’ has been a landmark for seven centuries. Built on a hillside above the River Lea, its embattled buttressed tower was a steering point for those on the water and a waymark for those on the ancient route to London. The church’s unspoiled interior has hardly been touched since Georgian times and features unusually high box pews and a three-decker pulpit. Monuments include that of a local nobleman, Sir Edward Baesh, who is shown kneeling opposite his wife.
It is a special church to visit. If you haven’t done so yet, directions are: post code SG12 8JZ. Access from A414 (on Harlow to Amwell road), through Stanstead Abbotts or from Roydon. Parking is available by the stables and house (past the church).