HELP is at hand for those who would like to practise the habit
of contemplation recommended by the Archbishop of Canterbury in
the Vatican earlier this month (
News, 12 October).
Parishioners of St Peter's, East Blatchington, in Sussex, have
produced a CD recording of the silence that can be experienced in
the 12th-century church. "We think St Peter's has a very special
atmosphere, and we wanted to try and capture that," Robin Yarnton,
a church technician, said on Tuesday.
The 30-minute recording starts with three rings of the church
bell, a short introduction from Mr Yarnton, and a message from the
Rector, Canon Andrew Mayes, which explains "how we all need
silence, stillness, and peace". What follows is 28 minutes of
near-silence including "the odd creaking of timbers and a few
footfalls . . . the odd murmur of voices from outside and the very,
very faint rumble of traffic going past". At its close, Mr Yarnton
thanks people for listening, and suggests that they "come and do it
for real".
The CD, intended to raise awareness of the church, was
suggested by Roger Bing, a former journalist, who knew of a similar
project that has been found successful at another church.
Copies of The Sound of Silence are available from the PCC
secretary: email pccstpeters@gmail.com
