Investiture/installation of High Sheriff of Tyne & Wear

I welcome the chance to talk about this very happy event. The ceremony (and a grand affair it was too) took place in the Minster at 6pm on Thursday 23rd March,2006. The new holder of this ancient, ceremonial role is Marj Barton (see pictures) and she accepted her installation with great dignity, helping to make this a magnificent occasion. A "3-line whip" had been issued to the choir, who responded loyally to the appeal and (hopefully) their rendition of Stanford's 'Jubilate' did not let the Minster down.      The ceremony was essentially a legal one - occasionally, previous sheriffs have opted for a purely civil ceremony. This one was led by our rector (pictured), who also stayed on hand to direct the visitors in to the restaurant for drinks and canapes.

Altogether, a very good evening!

       The Centenary of the Empire Theatre 1st July 2007

As I write this, I look forward, with some interest, to tonight's service which takes the place of our normal Choral Evensong, although, happily and thanks to our choirmaster, David Cox, the choir will still be singing the normal canticles, in full settings.

   The anthem will be recognisable to those folk in the congregation (the majority, I suspect) who do not normally hear church music. It is the setting of "The Lord is my Shepherd" made famous on the TV programme "The Vicar of Dibley".  Contrary to my first reaction, there is no truth in the rumour that the clergy will be dressed as The Teletubbies - to continue the theme!