Saxon Shore Benefice


	Updated for August, 2010

Our Rector
The Revd. Christopher Wood has been appointed as the Rector for our parishes

Revd. Christopher Wood
The Rectory,
Broad Lane,
Brancaster
PE31 8AU
Tel: 01485 211180

christopherd1760@hotmail.co.uk

The United Benefice of Hunstanton St Mary with Ringstead Parva St Andrew, Holme-next-the-Sea St Mary the Virgin and Thornham All Saints, with Brancaster St Mary the Virgin, with Burnham Deepdale St Mary and Titchwell St Mary, with Choseley”, is the official name of this Benefice, which is rather a mouthful and so the name “The Saxon Shore Benefice” was chosen for these churches on the north west Norfolk Coast

August Parish Letter from Christopher Wood

Dear Friends,

Summer has arrived

"Summer has arrived” is a rough translation of the title of the oldest English musical round. In fact it is the oldest example of counterpoint. You may be familiar with its real title in the Wessex dialect of about 1260; “Sumer is Icumen In.” The original manuscript is rather beautiful and can be found in the British Library, a long way from its origins in Reading Abbey where it was written as a six part round for the monks, probably by William de Wycombe.

I know that Summer is coming in here on the Saxon Shore because all of our churches host so many activities, including wonderful concerts. Making music to the glory of God seems to be a natural human instinct, and a beautiful one. That 13th century ditty follows a light hearted first verse with a Latin verse about God as a farmer on whose vine Christ can be found to bring life to us all and take us to heaven. The Medieval mind moved naturally from thoughts of birds and animals to thoughts of God. God, as part of everyday life, came easily to our ancestors.

It is still just as much fun to sing God’s praises by letting rip with a familiar hymn. He doesn’t frown if our voice isn’t exactly concert standard………and neither do I. So, on a warm Summer Sunday come and enjoy the cool of our ancient churches by helping us make a cheerful noise unto the Lord. It’s still the best way to start the day.

Christopher Wood, Rector.