Shadows lengthen after evensong at Chichester Cathedral, silhouetting the Dolphin and Anchor sign.
This post is the first in an occasional series of Matathewsiasms. Each will be loosely based on a pilgrimage to hear a choir singing evensong, in the quire of a cathedral. As I’m expecting this to be thirsty work, I intend to follow up each service by visiting a nearby victualler and quaffing a pint or two. My reports will probably be notable for their brevity and superficiality, although not brief enough to qualify as tweets.
This peculiar odyssey began when Jenny and I caught the train and went to evensong at Chichester Cathedral on 21 April. The choir was taking a well-earned post-Easter holiday and, in their absence, the visiting Lewes Singers (several of whom looked very familiar) did a fine job. A further treat was the anthem Hymn to the Word — a pleasing composition by Clive Osgood, who was also organist for the day. I’m sure I know Clive from somewhere too.
The formalities over, across the road we went, to the Dolphin and Anchor, a Wetherspoon establishment with a good range of real ales. We found Old Thumper and Western Glory highly satisfactory.
We rounded off our adventure in Cisseceaster (as it was once known) by having a bite to eat at the Masala Lounge where, in contrast to my local Indian restaurant, they thankfully avoid three basic errors. Firstly, they serve the papadums entire (breaking them up is part of the fun). Secondly, the pickles tray includes hot lime pickle. And thirdly, we are allowed to pour our bottled Cobra into our glasses ourselves, without interference from the waiters. Ah, bliss.
Matathewsiasms 