THE former Bishop of St Albans and vicar of St Thomas-on-the-Bourne, the Right Revd Christopher Herbert and his wife, Jan, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary by holding a Midsummer Concert, featuring the choirs of St Thomas’ Church with director of music Robert Lewis, organist Julian Cooper and organ scholar Andrew Harrap.

The concert was held at the church of St Thomas-on-The Bourne where Chris was vicar for nine years leaving in 1990 to become Archdeacon of Surrey and thence Bishop of St Albans in 1995. During this time Jan pursued her career in teaching becoming Head of English at St Catherine’s School, Bramley.

The evening of June 23 was a wonderful occasion and the concert included a wide range of Chris and Jan’s favourite music, opening with Vaughan Williams’ rousing “Let all the world in every corner sing” and closing with the “Hallelujah Chorus”.

The programme also included works by Faure, Mozart, Britten, Rutter, Rachmaninov and by Herbert Howells, born, like Chris, in Lydney, Gloucestershire.

The Girls’ Quartet performed “We’ll Gather Lilacs” by Novello and “Somewhere” by Bernstein. Some of the Gentlemen’s Choir gave a rustic rendition of the English folk song, “Widdicombe Fair”.

Highlights included a solo by Chris and Jan’s grand-daughter, Molly, a member of the choir, of “Be still for the presence of the Lord” and the singing by Jon Edwards and Chris Herbert of the 1936 song “The Way You Look Tonight”.

During the speeches, to an audience of 250 friends and family, including the best man and chief bridesmaid, Chris recalled the day that he and Jan had first met. He thanked Jan for their life together and his joy that their children and grandchildren were there to share the day.

All present joined in a toast, wishing Jan and Chris continuing happiness. Chris and Jan are now once more living in Farnham. Jan is a U3A lecturer and Chris has a new career as an internationally recognised art historian, lecturing across Europe, whilst continuing to conduct services as a bishop.