On Tuesday 3 October Carol drove Stuart and I to the Civic offices in Reading for the ceremonial opening service for the Crown Court, which is held in the Minster Church of St Mary.
We had a tea and coffee in the Mayor of Reading's parlour, before lining up in alphabetical order (of town) to process to the church. There were about a dozen of us with chains on, in single file, following a mace bearer - its funny how some people carry on walking by as though it happens everyday, and a few stop and stare! It is quite a grand occasion - the judges all wear their wigs and gowns, and the High Sheriff is there in his velvet pantaloons. The Bishop of Reading, the Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, gave a humorous and intelligent sermon based on the reading from the parable of the prodigal son, and we sang three good hymns.
According to the notes in the order of service, the custom of these annual services dates from the reign of Edward 1 (1272-1307), and records of such sermons have been kept since 1681, the most famous assize sermon being that preached by John Keble in 1839 at Oxford, which was a national sensation as he denounced the nation for turning away from God and began a religous revival (so no pressure on the Stephen Cottrell then!)
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