Close to the Madding Crowd

[Chevvyf1]

Lots of story photos here

Nick and I and the children, spend a lot of time at friends small lake nearby. To set the context here is Nick sitting one side, with the Church behind him (I am capturing Dragonfly images)





Last Sunday "The Madding Crowd" were doing a "Church Crawl" through a number of village churches in the Parish - one of which is behind Nick


I stood by the Church Gates under the lamp and a glorious and RARE Blue Sky




The "Madding Crowd" arrived by cars ...










or on foot over the fields - around the Lake






Cont'd ... / ...

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd



















What was it all about ?

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd

The Madding Crowd ??? "The Madding Crowd researches and performs the church and secular music of the English village bands and choirs in the period 1660 to 1861.

On 6th July we entered our 38th year! Guest night August 12th. All welcome to come and sing or play.

Join us on 18th August when we visit several churches in the Dever Valley to sing for a while in each. You are welcome just to listen, or to sing with us. If you want to sing, please contact us to say you are coming, so we can have music ready for you"

http://homepages.rya-online.net/mikebailey/

Churches are so rarely packed full these days, let alone overflowing out into the grounds ...

Afterwards there were Cream Teas by the Lake - Tables and chairs and tableclothes were loaned by one and all ...











They arrived in small groups and singles and over 300 creams teas were enjoyed




















It was like "Living on the set of Downton Abbey" or some other Period Drama ...

[Guest]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd

Hi Chevvy Sandra here, What a wonderful post, you have captured the spirit of the occasion beautifully. So good to see the period dress and that the men join in too, love the gentleman in the sturdy shoes, also the lady dressed in mauve (my favourite colour). This really would be my cup of tea, if I visit the UK again I should try to time it to include one of these occasions. Leaving Wang today after a very nice few days.

[Zuiko]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd

I love it! Quintessentially and eccentrically Middle England!

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd

Sandra and John "Thank You" I am glad you enjoyed it too. Sandra a safe journey home and if you do come to the UK we must go out to a few places

It truly was a one-off in my life time and placement = snapshots but a few of them will edit up real nice I particularly loved the thick wool home knitted socks held up with string

[Guest]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd

I'm with you Sandra - definately on the must do list.

[Wee man]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd

A lovely set of posts well captured would love to see this but I live 'far from the Madding crowd' ............Groan.

[Floribunda]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd

How very English Chevvy
I love the photos inside the church. I would have loved to have joined the singers. My alto voice cracks a little these days, but I always enjoyed choral singing in the past.

Ps Meant to say I love the photo of Nick and the church. He looks at peace with the world.

[Guest]

Re: Close to the Madding Crowd

Hi Chevvy, the distaff member of the household has had her say. As a Sussex girl she understands this kind of eccentric behaviour that leaves me drop-jawed and bewildered ... Nevertheless, your narrative does shed some light on this curious ritual!