Wells Cathedral Choir seldom sings elsewhere, but on a visit to the Cathedral earlier this year, Stogumber residents Doug and Shirley Forsyth bumped into the person in charge of music there, and persuaded him that one of the cathedral choir’s rare excursions should be for Choral Evensong at Stogumber.
The Choir are not just bringing a few people who not needed that day in Wells: coming to Stogumber are 16 choristers, 6 adult choir singers, the cathedral organist, the director of music and the person in charge of music at the Cathedral.
Fortunately, although Stogumber is a small village, the Church itself is large, and so anyone in West Somerset who appreciates wonderful music is welcome to come along on Sunday 5th October at 3pm.
“Choral Evensong is an experience not to be found in any of the other leading music nations. Only here. And it’s the perfect refuge from a world in crisis." Telegraph
The service of 'Evensong' (Sung Evening Prayer) dates back to the time of Henry VIII in the 1530s but many parts of the service are much older - from the 600s and earlier. It is a service much loved by those who know it, and Stogumber Church has Evensong on the first Sunday of every month with its own choir.
For anyone who does not already know it, to hear the service sung by Wells Cathedral Choir would be the best possible introduction. Appreciation is not limited to regular faithful churchgoers: Evensong by a Cathedral Choir is a pleasure and solace to many people of uncertain or no belief in Christianity, and all are welcome at Stogumber Church.
It must also be admitted that Stogumber's fine reputation for baking may also be an attraction - there will be teas and cake after the service. There is ample free parking in the village car park on Station Road TA4 4TG.