Singers Welcome Summer

Thursday 1st May, May Day, is often regarded as the first day of summer, despite the sometimes inclement weather.

One of the traditions of Worth, since 1993, is for senior members of the Abbey Choir to go up the Clock Tower in the early morning on 1st May in order to sing Madrigals, short secular songs. And so at 7.30 am this morning, just after the bells chimed the half hour, their voices could be heard from the top of the tower. The grey skies and blustery wind did not put off an appreciative audience who gathered below to listen.

Michael Oakley, Director of Music, said, "Some of the music dates back to Medieval times - Sumer is acumin in and some plainsong, Benedicite Dominus, whereas other music comes from the 16th century: Now is the Month of Maying and The Silver Swan.  It all has links with the welcoming of the summer."