It was with a very heavy heart that I took the decision this morning to cancel The Five Villages Prom on Friday. As many of you know, there is a problem with the stone pinnacle on the top of one corner of Fladbury Church tower. To date, it has not been possible to assess the health and safety risk. Scaffolding has been arranged for Friday to help with the inspection and risk assessment, but a decision about the concert had to be made today before the final rehearsal this evening. With too many unknowns, I took the difficult decision to cancel the event, and to temporarily close the church.
It’s hugely disappointing for everyone, and for Mark and Linda most especially. The idea, that was theirs, to bring people from all five villages and beyond, and from different choirs together to sing at this level in six weeks is both fabulous and courageous, and has given us all a real buzz of excitement and accomplishment. It has brought singers of all abilities together and has included those of us who cannot commit to more regular choirs. Friendships have developed and new possibilities for future musical initiatives have emerged.
To say, “thank you, Mark and Linda”, and “thank you, all of you” and “thank you, Gus, for your accompaniment” and “how sorry I am to postpone the event” seems very inadequate, but I express it deeply. There were too many health and safety unknowns this morning, to decide otherwise.
It’s early to assess the possibilities for reconvening. I very much hope that conversation will come soon.
A decision about Sunday’s service will be made later this week. Access to the churchyard is possible via the side gate at the end of the wall.
Sarah
Revd Canon Sarah Dangerfield
Priest-in-Charge of The Five Alive Parish
Curate-in-Charge of St James’ Bishampton with Throckmorton
Area Dean of Pershore and Evesham