Quintessentially

 July 2026

Dear Friends

What makes England England?  Evensong?  I doubt that was your first answer but maybe it would have appeared in a longer list of our nation’s valued features and traditions.

The English service of ‘Evening Prayer’ goes back to the 16^th Century and the Book of Common Prayer crafted by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer but based on earlier Latin services.  The service can be ‘said’ without music but in ‘Evensong’ the timeless words of the service and readings from the Bible are interspersed with psalms, canticles and hymns set to beautiful music.

In the hope that such services will once again be a regular and much-loved feature of our villages we are initially arranging two services of Evensong in the peaceful setting of St James Church Burton at 6pm on two summer evenings: Sunday 19^th July and Sunday 16^th August.

In ‘Choral Evensong’ virtually all the singing is by a choir while the congregation mostly listen.  But our services of ‘Sung Evensong’ will give more opportunity for you to join in with well-known hymns with the choir singing some pieces too.

So, this is a warm invitation to you to step away from your busy life for a while and come to our ‘Village Evensong’.  All ages are welcome, including children.  Come and sing, or come to listen.  The services will last around 45 minutes.  No need to book or pay.  No dress code.  There is a small amount of parking in the church car park at Burton for those who need it – just drive through the churchyard gates.  But if you can walk down from the village that will be helpful.

If you are interested in singing in the choir for either of these services please text or ring Ali Burrows on 07741 458587.  There will be two choir practices on Tuesday evenings for each service.

“Evensong’s long evolution brings with it a powerful sense of connecting present with past, of tapping into something much greater than ourselves.”

Sincerely

Graham Burrows