Earth’; and back to the present day. ‘Good King Wenceslas’ was the carol he introduced and added: “I’ll know how lustily you are singing by the steam on your glasses!” Indeed it was odd, if sensible, to see masks billowing like bellows and glasses fogging as the singing of the Carols almost raised the ancient and unique ploughshare vaulting of the roof. The readings – so familiar and never losing their relevance – were read by Provincial rulers but not our Provincial Grand Master, who is recovering from a hip replacement operation. Doubtless, he was with us in spirit. “It really feels like Christmas!” was a comment heard several times over Bucks Fizz and mince pies following the service. And it does: this occasion is an important start to the Christmas season for so many of us and a reminder of its true meaning, away from the bustling commercialism of the high street. Doubtless the sense of goodwill from this wonderful occasion will carry us through to the dawning of a new year. With sincere thanks to Rev. Claire Lording, the Abbey staff and the Choir who both led the congregation and wonderfully sang John Rutter’s ‘The Nativity Carol’. * Seemingly made of alabaster, the statue is in fact crafted from paper. It’s a miniature of the one on Corcovado Mountain overlooking Rio-de-Janeiro.
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