London 2–3 June

I went Anglican this weekend.  It was a dull rainy day, with a cool breeze.  I took myself into the Sung Eucharist for Trinity Sunday at St Paul’s.  I wanted to revisit this church which is my favourite.  Lush, proportionate and yet intimate inside without being overdone – it avoids the crowded statuary and memorials that spoil so many other places.  The Miss Sine Nomine by Grandi was sung by the Vicars Choral, and the sermon by the Canon Pastor was one of the best I’ve heard in ages.  It’s interesting how they cling to so much Latin in their liturgy.

After lunch at a nearby pub, I headed back to the apartment for the river pageant to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.   Crowds were 8-10 deep when I left at 10.30 am;  they were now 20-30 deep.  I watched the start on TV, then as the belfry leading the parade was due to pass my backdoor I headed down to see  what I could.  Which was the backs of lots of heads!  I managed to commandeer a chair, and that gave me a glimpse or two of the river.  I ten climbed onto a table and that gave my just a little better glimpse of the boats rowing past through arms and heads of people in front.  Then the food arrived for the people whose table I was standing on:  so I got down and went back to watch the rest of it on TV.

It was certainly a great spectacle.  I was really surprised by the size of the crowds and their good humour.  What really surprised me most was the number of younger people out with flags and decorations celebrating.  The Royalty stocks must have risen a fair bit over here.

In the evening I met Katie Sinclair for dinner at a pub near Sloane Square.  She had been down by the river to watch the parade.  Julian was to meet us too  but there was a mix-up in communication.  It was good to catch up with her!

Just a few pics today, and you can find them here.