There was, once again, a real buzz about the place this weekend as parents and day pupils flocked in for the Harvest Service on Sunday morning.
Many parents came in for the annual Harvest breakfast with the Froggatt Dining Hall filled with the smell of bacon, the noisy sound of chattering and a feel of anticipation for an exciting day ahead.
After breakfast and a quick Chapel Choir and hymn practice, the pupils filed into a jam-packed Hargreaves Hall for the service.
Mrs Lings, as ever, led an inspirational service, reminding us to be thankful. She talked of the enjoyment staff get from thanking parents for gifts, and encouraged us all to thank God for everything he provides for us. The hymns, heartily sung by the congregration, backed this up, from the traditional ‘Come Ye Thankful People Come’ to the hymn ‘Sing to God’ to the famous Beethoven tune ‘Ode to Joy’. Our harvest food is once again going to Sheffield Cathedral to help those less fortunate than ourselves, and the collection money is going to Seeds for Africa.
The Chapel Choir made their performing debut of the year, singing Howard Goodall’s ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, also known as the theme music to ‘The Vicar of Dibley’, with Isobel H showing confidence well beyond her age in the solo. It really was a terrific start to the year and the future looks very bright for the young choir.
After the service, there was an Informal Concert, where we were treated to some lovely performances. Particular mentions go to Gabriella T and Emma S, who gave their first renditions on the oboe – a very difficult instrument to play. All of their hard work paid off and we can look forward to the performance from the oboe trio in November’s concert. Tobias S played a Menuet on the piano and Morgan played some Giuliani on the recorder. There were performances by three flautists – Yasmin D, Georgina H and Mrs Strudwick, their teacher! Since the programme was a little shorter than normal, this was a chance to put Mrs Strudwick on the spot!
The final performer was Katy M who showed that age is no barrier in these concerts and was given a rousing reception after her rendition of ‘Floating Clouds’.
All in all, a splendid concert, enjoyed by all.
After the concert, all of the boarders went off-site with parents for some Harvest family time, something that is really valued at S.Anselm’s.
As they returned later in the afternoon, there was a real feeling of team spirit as we all pulled together to prepare for a busy week ahead.
Posted on
Mon, October 5, 2009
by JPW