Thanksgiving Service at Exeter Cathedral
Friday 29th July, 2016 - 8:55amThanksgiving Service at Exeter Cathedral for the 25th anniversary of the Children's Hospice South West.
It is fair to say that over the years Mousehole have sung in many wonderful venues and have been invited to countless prestigious events. The BBC, America, the Royal Albert Hall, cathedrals all over the country including York, Wells and Southwark are just a few names and places that spring to mind. But by common consent the invitation we received from the Children's Hospice South West to sing at their 25th anniversary was an event that will live in our memory for ever.
The fact that the Duchess of Cornwall was present along with 800 invited guests was almost incidental. What made this event so special was to hear and see first hand the dedication of the people who work in the Hospices and to witness the bravery, dignity and fortitude of the children and their families despite such terrible adversity.
Although bearing such an unthinkable burden, the ceremony was seen by the children as a celebration and a joyous event. They and their families embraced the service with a sense of joy and happiness that was not only extraordinary but inspirational, humbling and infectious. It will never be forgotten by all those who were there. To a man, Mousehole Choir were touched and inspired by all involved and I believe that was also reflected in the way we sang at Exeter Cathedral.
In life it is normally the adult that gives wisdom and courage to their offspring. At this concert that role was beautifully and courageously reversed by some very, very special young people.