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links:
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recordings:
-Carols from Norwich -Great Cathedral Anthems Vol.2
-Morley, Parsley and Inglott, Elizabethan Church Music
-‘Rejos For Joy’: Christmas Carols Old and New
-‘Let God Arise’: Psalms of David Vol.7
(available on Priory)
from Bill's Homepage- Pesonal Page 1996
In March of 1992 our church was visited by the Norwich Cathedral Choir. An incredible group of musicians that were as much fun as talented. The following summer, I was invited to come and visit their home town. I thought it was just a common courtesy, but they were insistent. What followed amazed even little 'ole me. My ancestor was from that area! Richard Bucke is the priest that performed the wedding ceremony of Pocahontas and John Rolfe in 1614. He attended University at Gonville and Caius, Cambridge University in 1600. He was the dean of Wymondham Abbey in Norfolk County. Norwich is located in Norfolk County ! (Rod Serling should come around the corner about now.) 
While the Norwich Cathedral Choir was singing at Christ Church in Macon the electricity went out. The choir completed the concert with acapella selections. Members of the Christ Church Choir (of which I was a member) knelt among the choristers holding candles so they could see their sheet music. The spirit in that church has followed us for years.It so happens that my hosts were exactly my age, and Jim is a doctor, and enjoys running. Jane is a "wonder woman" with supernatural abilities to get three kids (James, Lucy and Jack) to their varied destinations. Somehow it all come together. I could never repay them for their hospitality and love they have shown me. In fact, many of the (former) choir members and their families have become my closest and dearest of friends. I don't know what it is about our friendship that makes it so effortless, but I have truly come to love these people and this place. It is one of "connection" for me. When I am there I feel centered. The kindness shown to me and the hospitality given during my trips could never be repaid. But most importantly, these friendships are kept going year long over thousands of miles by the sending of letters, video tape and phone calls. Maybe I can't be there all of the time, but we keep in touch enough so I know what's going on.
The summer days are wonderful on the Norfolk Broads. The temperature is usually in the 70's to 80's (F) and the lows reach around 45 to 55 (F). I will say that the North Sea is singularly the coldest water I've ever set foot in. My friends laugh and tell me that I'm not very "sturdy". Hey, just because I'm wearing two shirts and a jumper during summer is no reason to call me "un-sturdy"..."unSTABLE, yes.So most summer visits were spent taking James out of town (I think he planned it that way, and who could blame him) to summer music camp. He plays with the National Youth Orchestra in London, and was with the choir for six years before valediction. James and I would have to cram two weeks of visits into the weekend. I will never forget my
first choral evensong, hearing these familiar voices who earlier had beaten me to within an inch of my life in Rugby. I also spent lots of time with Jonathan and Robert, along with others whose names will come up as the story unfolds. Jonno taught me to sail two summers ago. He is a fantastic sailor, and wins many competitions there. Robert is simply brilliant on the organ. You'll read about him someday. I always look forward to our conversations and the jokes that fly over the phone. Tom and Charles have taken up fencing and have been ranked very high in competition. In fact, I believe that Tom came in top in his age group in the Nationals this year. 
These talented young people have all continued with their music. Keep in mind that the Norwich Cathedral Choir is a world class choir and that this group of boys recorded five compact discs over a period of three years. Two things, I don't even notice an accent anymore, and I hardly ever think of them as former choristers. They did teach me to speak English and I have been teaching them "southern". It will come in handy during the Olympics. 
It was only the beginning for me. I used to think that someday before I died, I wanted to set foot in England. I never believed that I would consider a town there as my second home. Two summers ago I was honored to participate in the presentation of the Sacraments to the altar during the 800th Anniversary of Norwich. A lifetime highlight. Thanks Mr. Allison. 
