On 14 December, just before Orkney turned into Europe's largest outdoor ice rink for a month, ten singers gathered at St Magnus' kirk, Birsay to sing Compline, with a small 'congregation' of friends and family. We were made very welcome, and from where I was sitting, we made a lovely noise in what turned out to be a very good acoustic. It's possible we will be asked to sing there again in 2010.
On 2 January, we were saddened to learn of the death of Fr Ronald Walls, a learned and much-loved priest, in his ninetieth year. Father Ronnie had spent the last three years of a very active retirement serving the Catholic parish in Orkney. He had given the Orkney Schola much encouragement since its inception. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine.
After two very successful beginners' courses at Appies Tea Rooms in Sandwick, I will be running a follow-up course at the same convivial venue, starting on Thursday week (21 January), running for six weeks and culminating in the singing of Vespers. For details, or to enrol, please call Pam Farmer (01856 841562).
For additional information, contact: Ben Whitworth, Cribbaquoy, Harray, Orkney KW17 2LQ, tel. (01856) 771677, email: ben at whitworth.net, blog: orkneychant.blogspot.com
On 2 January, we were saddened to learn of the death of Fr Ronald Walls, a learned and much-loved priest, in his ninetieth year. Father Ronnie had spent the last three years of a very active retirement serving the Catholic parish in Orkney. He had given the Orkney Schola much encouragement since its inception. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine.
After two very successful beginners' courses at Appies Tea Rooms in Sandwick, I will be running a follow-up course at the same convivial venue, starting on Thursday week (21 January), running for six weeks and culminating in the singing of Vespers. For details, or to enrol, please call Pam Farmer (01856 841562).
For additional information, contact: Ben Whitworth, Cribbaquoy, Harray, Orkney KW17 2LQ, tel. (01856) 771677, email: ben at whitworth.net, blog: orkneychant.blogspot.com
