114   Choir Valedictory Service 1994

 

Let me tell you of a delightfully gentle protest made by HLC girls years before 1994.  There was a tradition that for the final Evensong of the school year, leavers could choose their favourite hymns and an anthem. “I vow to thee, my country” was on the listed submitted to the headmistress for her approval, but she said no. I knew she did not like this hymn because the words were not obviously religious. The girls were disappointed but appeared to accept the ruling.

At the end of the service, the final blessing was sung and eyes dabbed. The headmistress and staff walked out first, followed by parents and visitors, and after that, the rows of girls would leave in silence whilst the organ played triumphantly. When I finished, I got off the organ bench and walked out into an empty chapel. But it wasn’t empty at all: every girl was still seated in her place. Then quietly, very quietly, it started. A hum from one girl was joined by another, and another. Soon the whole chapel vibrated with the “banned” tune. So very sweet and gentle, no words, lips closed. No blame for anyone, no one moved a muscle until they had finished. Then each row stood and left the chapel in complete silence, leaving just the echo of the protest in my memory. No girl ever spoke of it. The headmistress did not mention it, though I’m sure she knew. The offending words were never voiced yet the girls had their moment.

 

Would that all protests were so gently made!