Life resumes

I know it's only just October but already we are beginning to sign up for the choir performances  in which we intend to take part.

So far, we haven't had any inkling as to just what we will be singing but our 'boss' needs to  know what potential is available.

The long boring months of summer are soon to be replaced by anticipation and a degree of excitement, as well as a lot of hard work.

Since mine is a fairly solitary existence most of the summer, there is the feeling of being taken out of the cupboard, dusted down and prepared for use once more - and I love it, and welcome it.

It hasn't been quite as bad as this sounds but nevertheless I can't help feeling as though the 'stop' button has been replaced with 'go'.

This evening's choir practice was just October's music but by the end of the month we should have at least some idea of what this Christmas has in store for us.

We have inevitably lost a couple of our youngest members to University but hope to recruit some more soon.  Unfortunately the two who have just left are both really good musicians and will be greatly missed.

These days we make a really good sound and need to keep recruiting good new members to replace the inevitable fall-out each season.

Unlike a village church where the choir if any, will be relatively stable, St Mary's is an urban church and the population is constantly changing.

The fact that it is also the County church of Buckinghamshire and a Grade 1 listed building leads to rather high expectations - not easy to meet.

At least the bats show their appreciation (at least I think that's what it means), by doing an occasional fly-past when we rehearse, accompanied by less welcome tokens of their 'approval'.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord", and if you can't, buy him/her some ear plugs.