The choir

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Music plays an important role in the liturgical life of St Botolph's, encouraged by the Rector. Services always include a substantial amount of music for the choir to sing as well as a full repertoire of congregational hymns. Merbecke is the Communion Service of choice, though during lockdown we have been exploring plainsong Propers and Psalms.

St Botolph's Choir consists of a group of volunteer singers who meet once a week before the Sunday service each week to rehearse the hymns, canticles and a short anthem. Enthusiasm is the order of the day rather than an advanced vocal technique, though we strive week by week to grow our musical and vocal skills. From time to time we draft in extra singers (such as for the 2020 Epiphany Carol Service, which included a specially written carol) to tackle a more ambitious repertoire, which in general is planned around the availability of singers and what we regard as appropriate for us.

Recent repertoire has included Tallis' 'O nata lux', Stanford's 'Beati quorum via', Anerio's 'Vidi speciosam', Mozart's 'Ave verum' and Wood's Communion Service in the Phrygian mode. Choral Mattins for the 700th Anniversary of the Accession included Handel's 'Zadok the Priest' with organist David Poulter.

There is a strong social element to the choir, which enjoys each other's company as much as the music out sings!

Though there is no three-line whip, we are pleased when choir singers can offer so far as possible a weekly commitment.

Tim Brown, our Director of Music, is always delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining the choir and may be contacted on tcb21@cam.ac.uk.

Hello and welcome to St Botolph's. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
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Planning your Visit

Welcome to St Botolph's

The following information is specifically for those planning a first visit, so that you know beforehand what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

Our services are at St Botolph's church in the centre of Cambridge (details below). On Sundays these always start at 11.00am. We suggest planning to arrive 10-15 minutes early, especially if driving as parking spaces are in short supply in central Cambridge, and to find somewhere to sit before the service begins. When you arrive, you should be greeted by a sides person who will help you find somewhere to sit and will give you a hymn book and a prayer book, or a service sheet.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the service and we hope very much that you will stay for a chat. It is a great way to meet people, or simply take time to find your bearings. All refreshments are free.

Plan your journey:

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Accessibility: There is wheelchair access. Please let the sides person know on your arrival and they will help you. Please note access to the toilet requires a step.

The service

Our Sunday service begins at 11.00am and follows the Book of Common Prayer. On the first, third and fifth Sundays we have a Sung Eucharist. On the other Sundays we have Mattins with Holy Communion. There will be organ music before the service and the bell will ring for about five minutes before the service starts. All services will have a sermon from the Rector or a visiting preacher. These usually last for around 10-15 minutes. The choir plays a part in all services, leading hymns and sung elements of the service. The service ends with an organ voluntary. Many people sit and listen to this for five minutes or so. Others will start to congregate around the tea and coffee table for a chat.

What about children?

We welcome children of all ages and no one should be embarrassed if young ones cry or older ones wander around. We do not have a Sunday School so children remain in the service with their parents. There is a carpeted area in the side chapel which is available for parents and small children who want to step away from the main church for a while.

Getting in touch

Helping with services and the life of the church

If you want to get involved in the life of the church and help us make our services run smoothly, please let us know. We are always looking for help with anything from flowers, to refreshments, to opening the church for visitors during the week and a hundred and one other tasks that keep the life of the community.

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

Leadership


Father Stephen Anderson, Rector		Sarah Eastwood, Churchwarden

We hope that you will feel at home at St Botolph's.

Best Wishes

Facsimilie Signature