St. Mary-at-Latton

Staying with dear friends for one night on my way to St. Albans I went with them to St.Mary-at-Latton, an ancient 11^th century church on a hill, surrounded by the new Harlow. I joined the choir for the practice and the service which was very enjoyable. Although just a small choir, it has some very experienced singers with beautiful  and well-trained voices, and an able and spirited organist. The music was inspiring and it was a privilege and a joy to be able to join them. The congregation is formed on the whole by elderly people, but the way they go on was encouraging and also actually more moving than a service in a cathedral where everything is available to offer people the best. Struggling to keep such a small and not very well-off church going , learning about all the efforts to keep this congregation alive, the church fetes, the afternoon teas on a Sunday, it made me feel rather humble. And I admired all the old ladies, on crutches and with walking sticks and one with a Zimmer frame, who in spite of a veritable downpour which lasted seemingly forever, just smiled and took it all in their difficult stride.

Nevertheless, I am looking forward to a week of singing Evensong in St. Albans Cathedral.

The original dark rood screen was destroyed in a fire

The church in the rain