Wednesday.

Yesterday evening we had the induction service for our new Dean. It was attended by the Bishop, loads of high ranking clergy, the Mayor, etc. Ann was an acolite (one of two) and carried a candle behind the Crucifer at the head of the procession from the Guildhall to the Church. Our deanery, which dates back to the days of King Guthrum the Dane, is a 'peculiar' in the gift of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which broadly, means that its origins date back to time immoral (sorry - immemorial), and that nobody really knows why. Our choir was quadrupled in size by importations from surrounding village church choirs. There were four bases, which meant that I could stick to the basso profundo parts (which suited me down to the ground - forgive obvious pun). Anyway - a very impressive service. Margaret, our senior chorister (94 years, 82 of which have been spent singing in the choir, and another 76 bell ringing) says this chap is her 13th dean, and she is reserving judgment on him until he has been here a decade or so- time will tell.
This morning we went across to Frinton to have coffee with our old friend Ann C.T. She was widowed earlier this year and her daughter (who lives in an old rectory near Frinton) has had the old coach house altered to make a very pretty little home for Ann. Were shown round and admired it immensely. On way home stopped and had lunch outdoors at restaurant attached to a farm shop. Both of us had a sea food platter, and although the portions served weren't very big the food was very good indeed (which is a great deal better than the other way around - who wants vast quantities of tasteless mush?????) This brings me to the photograph of the large bullock (or steer as I believe they're called across the pond) above. He was in the adjoining field, but wandered across to be sociable.
in the afternoon made telephone bids at the auction I viewed on Sunday, and bought one lot (probably the least expensive item in the sale - and generally prices were very high- don't quite know what's happening in the Art and Antique world. Paid by 'phone and Ruth and Matthew collected purchased item for me. Ruth has also collected item purchase last week at Christie's and will bring them back tomorrow. Offspring do eventually come in useful if you keep them long enough. Looking at clock see that bedtime has come and gone, so - Goodnight all.