The church at Gilead, Maidenwells, has a long tradition for providing folk in the south of the county with musical events. Over the years, dating back to the early part of the last century, local folk have always supported the church very faithfully seeming to appreciate that it always provided a venue to meet for a celebration in music.
Through the latter years, they have relied on local choirs and Sankey festivals. This year, The Griffon Choir were invited to participate. It was a bonus when they were able to accept the invitation, but doubly so when they decided they would perform John Stainer's 'The Crucifixion.'
One hundred and twenty years have elapsed since the first performance of this, Stainer's aim being to provide a Passiontide meditation which ordinary choirs could perform and to which congregations could relate. The rendering by the Griffon Choir was truly special.
Under its conductor, Judy McGilloway, with choir soloists Lynn Childs, John Williams, Charles Clewett, David Gwyn, Frank Morgan and Mike Pedder, the congregation were led in a very sensitive way to the very foot of the cross at Calvary.
The large congregation who attended all acclaimed that the Passiontide rendering had made Eastertide doubly special. The choir can be justly proud of their very beautiful rendering.