Last Sunday’s Choral Evensong was entitled Celebrating Women, and all the music featured was written by female composers. Two of the pieces were home-grown – a psalm chant by Ruth Tinling, who used to be organist here, and still attends as a member of the congregation, and a set of Preces and Responses by Kate Honey, who used to be head chorister here. We were also privileged to hear a wonderful sermon by Rev Rachel Weir, chairperson of W.A.T.C.H., which explored the broader themes of women in the Bible and also their rôle in the Anglican church.

We thank Mike Stranks for recording the service, and also Janet, Helen, and Alice for providing such lovely cakes for after the service. We also note that on the day of the service (Oct 7^th), Hildegard of Bingen  was made the 35^th Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict.

Further information about the composers is here: Tonight’s composers

Listen to recordings of parts of the service here:

Preces and Responses Part 1 to a setting by Kate Honey

Preces and Responses Part 2 to a setting by Kate Honey

Psalms 125 and 126 with psalm chant by Ruth Tinling