This post is a slightly modified copy of a page on the Oakham Team Ministry web site.
Thursday 29th October
The renowned Choir of Clare College Cambridge, directed by Graham Ross, started the Festival on Thursday October 29th at 7.00pm. Duruflé’s Requiem was at the centre of their programme, alongside works by Stanford, Bainton and Bairstow, and Graham Ross’ own arrangement of Abide with me.
Friday 30th October
Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani presented the annual All Saints Lecture on Friday October 30th at 5.00pm, with a short talk follwed by a conversation with Rev Chris Baker entitled Saints, synods and society. Being a Bishop in 2026. Bishop Guli returned to Oakham where she and her family lived for many years, for a conversation around her life as a bishop – exploring being a teacher and a pastor in the Diocese; the synod and the House of Bishops and all the ongoing issues they face as well as work in the House of Lords.
Saturday 31st October
On the morning of Saturday October 31st (All Hallows Eve) the church wase open with a Pop up cafe for tea, coffee and cakes. There was also the chance to see the new Exhibition “The Harington Bequest and Oakham Parish Library”. There was a tour of the Church at 11.00am led by Revd. Chris Baker that illustrated how the church has developed and been used over the last 800 or more years.
Sunday November 1st
On All Saints Day is Sunday, November 1st there was a full programme of worship:
8.00am. A quiet reflective service of Holy Communion with traditional language.
10.30am. A festival Eucharist for All Saints with choir and hymns, followed by refreshments
6.00pm. A Choral Evensong hymns led by the All Saints choir, with a “Thanksgiving for the Holy Ones of God”.
Monday November 2nd
On All Souls Day on Monday, November 2nd. a special service of Holy Communion at 12.00 midday offered the opportunity to light a candle in remembrance of loved ones who have died.
