There was a full house at St Peter’s Church, Newenden, on Saturday evening, March 11, for a concert by the choristers of Canterbury Cathedral, presented by the Friends of St Peter’s. Eighteen boy choristers, aged from 9 – 13, delighted the audience with their programme ranging from baroque sacred choral music to Broadway songs. Assistant organist Adrian Bawtree contributed some wonderful solos on the church’s historic organ.
Mid-way through the concert, Dr Flood (organist and choir master of Canterbury Cathedral) who conducted the choristers and introduced the programme, asked Lord Gill, Chairman of the Council of The Royal School of Church Music, up to the platform. Lord Gill made a marvellous speech and presented St Peter’s own organist, Michael Freeland, with a Certificate of Special Service from the RSCM, to mark Michael’s 60 years as organist of St Peter’s.
Lord Gill congratulated Michael on this unique achievement, and church warden Rosie Edmonds, in a round-up at the end of the concert, commented on the affection and esteem in which Michael has always been held within the village. This was a superb accolade for Michael Freeland and the applause for him was long and warm.
Newenden, just north of Northiam, is Kent’s smallest village and St Peter’s is a beautiful little church at its centre. It was very special to the villagers to host such a superb event.
Photo: Andrew Waltham