FIRST LONDON HOME Christmas

MY FIRST LONDON HOME

JOHN RUTTER

Known as ‘Mr Christmas’ for his canon of festive choral works and carols, the composer and conductor shares his experiences of growing up in London and unearthing some of its secrets with Jane Slade

I was born in Winchmore Hill in

1945. I was part of a birth bulge after the war. My parents were living with my grandmother who ran The Globe pub opposite Baker Street station.

My earliest memories are of

climbing stairs, leaving the noise of the pub below and taking up residence as an only – but happy – child with an old piano in the living room.

London was still devastated. It was a drab city. Ration-book Britain. I still have a scar on my finger from broken glass that I was playing with on a bomb site as a small child.

We moved to 290 West End Lane when I was ten years old.

It was closer to Highgate School, my father’s old school, where I got a scholarship.

I was a contemporary of the great choral composer, John

Taverner. He composed assiduously and drafted fellow pupils in to perform his epic works. I was a mediocre organist, so he wrote a simple organ part for me.

My first published piece was a Christmas carol called The

Nativity Carol. I was just 16 and it’s still doing the rounds today – I wrote it for the choir of St Mary’s Primrose Hill, where I would sing on a Sunday morning. The Shepherd’s Pipe Carol followed when I was 18 – I’m amazed it’s still piping nearly 60 years later.

I think when I write a carol that I’m adding one tiny tile to a great mosaic of Christmas celebration.

It’s really only a short step from singing Christmas carols

to writing them. Hardly a year goes by without me writing a new one. I’ve just written All the Stars Looked Down for a charity promoted by the Lord’s Taverners. It’ll be premiered on 12 December at a Holy Trinity Church service on Sloane Street.

I consider myself halfcomposer, half-songwriter.

If you want a tune you have to go to the world of pop music or musical theatre.

I haven’t been approached to write anything for the King’s

coronation. I’ve had my turn. I wrote Psalm 150 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which was performed in St Paul’s Cathedral; the anthem This is the Day for Prince William and Kate’s wedding, and The Lord Bless You and Keep You was sung at Harry and Megan’s wedding.

I’ve been privileged to discover a London that’s full of secrets.

For example, the private chapel in Lambeth Palace, where the archbishop kindly bestowed on me the Lambeth doctorate.

I’m an honorary bencher of the

Middle Temple and have conducted at Middle Temple Hall, where Shakespeare premiered Twelfth Night.

I’ve also conducted a singing

day in Holy Sepulchre church, Holborn, which is the musicians’ church and where the Proms founder Sir Henry Wood is buried.

I’ve made musical recordings in

little-known churches such as All Hallows in Gospel Oak and Walthamstow Town Hall, which is where Pavarotti used to record. Minions were sent out to bring back mountains of pasta from local Italian restaurants to keep him going.

I still think of myself as a

Londoner. You can take the man out of London but you can’t take London out of the man.

I’ve never regretted moving to

Cambridge. When it came to choosing a university there was only one place I wanted to go. But one of the best things about it is its proximity to London, where I love to return. L John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration, featuring his own works and arrangements will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on 6 December, at 3pm and 7.30pm royalalberthall.com

RIVERSIDE CHARM

Thames Retreat is the perfect location for those seeking a calmer lifestyle, while staying Thames side

For tranquil living with a sense of community, Thames Retreat o ers some of the most desirable park homes within the UK. An unmissable opportunity to own a slice of riverside living, the site is located on a beautifully redeveloped park, within stunning surroundings adjacent to the River Thames. The location is ideally situated for both work and leisure, whether visiting old friends or making new connections in the local area. Thames Retreat has extensive transport links to London, and is close to Heathrow Airport and the M25. Staines train station is also nearby, o ering a regular service to London Waterloo in just half an hour.

All homes are within a gated community and come with outside parking. Designed with individual character, to match the well-tended landscapes, Thames Retreat suits a range of budgets and architectural styles. Owners will also be able to benefit from Sky TV and wifi packages to give your home a truly modern feel at agreat price.

Those with boating aspirations will love the fact that Thames Retreat enables residents to moor boats in front of their own home. Near the Penton Hook Marina, there’s the chance to meet other passionate boaters. And if you want to challenge your skills, there’s the opportunity to participate in the Staines Amateur Regatta, which takes place every summer. It’s hard to imagine anything better than spending a day on the river, and returning home for a cosy night in.

For town dwellers and explorers, the charming historic centres of Chertsey and Windsor are only a short distance away. Home to several listed buildings, there is an abundance of heritage to take in. Also nearby is Hampton Court Palace, which is 12 miles away. L Prices start from £425,000-£625,000 front pitch with mooring on the Thames. To book a viewing, call Thames Retreat on 020 3985 8875, or email info@thamesretreat.com Thames Retreat, Chertsey Lane, Staines-upon-Thames TW18 3ND