Sunday disruptions

An Eucharist to celebrate at St John's Canton this morning at eight, followed by a drive across town to St German's for an earlier than usual Sung Mass at nine thirty. Over the weekend the church is turned into a video recording studio for BBC's Songs of Praise. A series of artistes sing to camera against the aesthetic backdrop of one of Bodley's finest churches. 

The upheaval is disconcerting, and the re-scheduling of the service necessary to meet the programming demands. I was impressed at a full turnout of the thirty strong congregation, more accustomed to showing up at eleven - including two in wheelchairs. Everyone seemed philosophical about the disruption, seeing it as part of the effort needed to make their church known to the wider world.

The sacristy was full of recording equipment, furniture was displaced in the nave, and wiring trailed all through the sanctuary and high altar. It's the first time I recall ever having to step carefully over heavy cables while censing the altar during Mass. 

I heard that there had been problems overnight for the grossly underpaid lone security guard, from a gang of idle lads intent on making mischief, maybe with an eye to stealing the Beeb's mobile power generator parked outside. The guard was reluctant to call the Police in case this escalated into a real breach of the peace. It's a scandal that two weren't employed, as may be considered normal safe practice. No doubt if there were Police out and about, they'd be shepherding crowds of drunken revellers in the city centre a mile away. Locals gossip about a drug dealing ice cream van out in the evenings in this parish. Do the Police know or care?

After lunch, Clare and I drove up to Kenilworth, for another birthday supper with Kath, Anto and Rhiannon. She seems to have grown up a lot in the summer, what with leaving primary and starting secondary school last week. Now she's spending a couple of hours each school night conscientiously doing homework, and enjoying learning at a new level. I've given her my little travel laptop, all set up with Windows 10 and her own One Drive ready to use. Two weeks ago Owain took my Chromebook. I don't have that much need for travel kit at the moment, and am surprised to find how much I'm able to do with my Blackberry when I'm away from a desk.