Novello remembered

As Alan Green, of the Friends of St John’s, explains: “Back in September, the Friends of St John’s celebrated the 200th anniversary of the founding of St John’s Chapel, starting with a classical concert, given by Lynden Cranham, Tom Parker and Richard Barnes.

“This comprised works reflecting the era of the founding and also the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.”

Alan added: “This was a great success and raised £605 for the organ fund and was followed by Choral Evensong the following day sung by the Choir of St Paul’s Church, at which the Dean of Chichester preached.

“Following on from this, the Friends of St John’s are holding another event, but in a different mood, on Saturday, November 12. Canon David Nason will be presenting The Life and Songs of Ivor Novello in which he will explore the life of this great British songwriter, singer and actor and will perform some of his songs to piano accompaniment.

“This is also by way of an anniversary event as the great man died sixty years ago, in March 1951. The event will raising funds for the upkeep of the delightful grade 1- listed chapel.”

Tickets, which include smoked salmon sandwiches and bubbly, cost £20 and are available in advance from Susan Stevenson-Hamilton at 17, St John’s Street Chichester (tel 01243 784200).

The next events at St John’s Chapel will be a Christmas Tree Festival, organised by the Friends of Chestnut Tree Hospice from December 7 to 10. This festival will include a concert by the Hampshire Recorder Symphonia on Saturday 10th and the now-famous St John’s Carol Service on Sunday, December 11.