On Saturday 29^th June 2002, about 120 singers from around the diocese (and beyond) gathered at Ladywell Convent Godalming for the annual Choirs’ Festival.  The beautiful chapel and delightful setting clearly inspired the singers to give of their best and all agreed that the day was a huge success.  The programme of music was challenging, yet accessible and gave the singers plenty of ideas to take back to their parishes.  The music was led by John Lillis who gently coaxed the best of out the group with his unique blend of accomplished musicianship and good humour.  He was assisted by Clare Woodham at the chapel organ and by Giles Hutchinson who took one of the sessions.  The sisters at Ladywell accorded us a very warm welcome and everybody was made to feel united in fun, song and prayer.

The day culminated in the celebration of Mass for the vigil of Saints Peter and Paul.  We were delighted to be joined by Bishop Kieran – for the second year running.  What better way to observe this feast of the Church than by having our own shepherd and teacher to celebrate Mass with us!  Fr Kevin Dring was concelebrant and the liturgy was deeply moving, dignified and yet, with an element of informality.  The singing was outstanding - all the more so as it had all been leaned from scratch during the course of the day.

Plans are under way for the 2003 Festival and when the date has been agreed we will publish it on this site.

The Music List was as follows:

Entry - Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Repton (arr Hayward)          

Kyrie - Missa Orbis Factor - Plainsong               

Gloria - Coventry - Peter Jones            

Psalm - Taste and See - Stephen Dean       

Alleluia - Alleluia Gaudete - Christopher Walker              

Gifts - Tu Es Petrus - Palestrina               

Holy Holy - Mass of Hope - Bernadette Farrell 

Acclamation - Mass of Hope - Bernadette Farrell 

Great Amen - Mass of Hope - Bernadette Farrell 

Lamb of God - Behold the Lamb of God - Iona        

Communion - Take and Eat - Michael Joncas