Notes from the Coordinating Chaplain

Hatfield Remembrance Day Service with Canon Michael Everitt and the Hatfield Chapel Choir 2020

Following eight years as College Chaplain and Vice-Master of Hatfield College, the Revd Professor Anthony Bash moved to a new role in the University in the Easter Term 2020. Since then, there has been a vacancy in the post of College Chaplain. In the interim, I have had the pleasure of supporting the College, particularly in relation to chapel worship.

Of course, as with so many areas of College life, and indeed our lives in general, we have had to make the best of a challenging year due to the COVID pandemic. In this, I have appreciated the unwavering efforts of Jess Norton Raybould, Director of Music, and Miles MacLachlan, Organ Scholar. They have both worked hard to maintain the College’s excellent choral tradition in exceptional circumstances. Due to Covid restrictions, Chapel services have been broadcast each week via the Choir of Hatfield College Facebook page. These have been led by various College chaplains as well as members of the Cathedral clergy. There has been a ‘reduced’ Covid-compliant choir at each service who have sung a range of anthems and settings for Evensong. This is a remarkable achievement with only three or four voices! Special acts of worship have included an outdoor College Remembrance

I have enjoyed getting to know the College, its traditions and distinctive personality.

Day Service led by Canon Michael Everitt, Eucharist on Ash Wednesday and a Tenebrae Service in Passiontide. Additionally, the choir released a number of choral pieces on Easter Sunday. As I have said already, it has been a pleasure to support Hatfield College over the 2020/21 academic year. I have enjoyed getting to know the College, its traditions and distinctive personality. I look forward to the appointment of the next College Chaplain who I know will be well-supported by students, staff and alumni.

Revd. Gavin Wort

Hatfield Chapel Choir with Jess Norton Raybould, Director of Music and University Coordinating Chaplain, Revd Gavin Wort in the Hatfield Chapel