Choristers launch virtual Salisbury Cathedral tour with help from Alexander Armstrong
The TV star has been helping with a behind the scenes peak at the famous building and its choir
During lockdown a small group of choristers have been filming behind the scenes with the Cathedral's social Marketing Officer, Shane Brennan, and Chorister Tutor Jake Reynolds, for a virtual Chorister's tour of Salisbury Cathedral.
The youngsters are sharing the role of host with Alexander Armstrong, the star of Pointless and voice of Dangermouse and Hey Duggee.
The TV star is an apt choice as he was a chorister as a child at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh.
The reason behind the creation of A Chorister's Tour is that the event which traditionally kicks off the annual chorister recruitment season, Be a Chorister for a Day, was cancelled due to Covid.
Faced with a recruitment challenge it was decided that if children couldn't come in to meet the choristers, then the choristers and Alexander Armstrong would have to take the Cathedral to the kids.
Cathedral bosses say the result "is a tour of the weird, funny and historic life of a chorister at the Cathedral and the Cathedral school."
You'll meet a revolting rodent, find out about the world's oldest clock and the choir's strange tradition involving the "Bumping Stone".
Aimed at children in years 3 and 4, it's a chance to learn fascinating facts, hear gruesome stories and get to grips with quirky traditions as they learn about life as a chorister through the ages.
The Cathedral are hoping that by sharing the amazing building and letting youngsters have a peep behind the scenes it will encourage children to think about exploring life as a chorister.
There are currently ten scholarships available - five for girls, five for boys - anyone who love's to sing is urged to get in touch and request a try out.
You can email chorister.recruitment@salcath.co.uk
CHORISTER BISHOP
Meanwhile, in a tradition that goes back centuries 13 year old Sebastian Kunzer was installed as this year's Chorister Bishop during Evensong on Sunday (6th December).
This year was a bit different though, for the first time since the special service was revived in the 1980s the candidate was chosen by fellow choristers.
Usually candidates are chosen by the Director of Music, David Halls, consulting with colleagues in the Cathedral Music Team and Salisbury Cathedral School, but this year they asked each chorister to recommend a name and explain their choice.
The results were evaluated by staff and the appointment made. Sebastian emerged as a clear favourite, with peers choosing him because of his leadership qualities and kindness.
Director of Music, David Halls said:
"He's a really nice boy. Kind, thoughtful, hardworking and a talented singer. He would have been my choice, if it had been my choice to make this year. All credit to his fellow choristers because they have selected very wisely in my opinion."
Unlike his medieval counterparts, Sebastian was only a bishop for a day.
In medieval times the boy bishops held office for three weeks, from St Nicholas Day (6 December this year), until Holy Innocents Day (28 December this year), empowered to make decisions on the disposal of benefices (or church appointments) that fell vacant within this period and presiding over all services. The practice continued until Henry VIII put a stop to it, declaring it a distraction from proper church business.