23/07/2021
The Office Window two weeks ago.
The Ursuline Convent Westgate with The Most Reverend John Wilson, The Archbishop of Southwark, accompanied by NINE priests and a socially distanced congregation consisting mainly of retired Nuns.
Steph was a former boarder at the convent...(back in the day) but had kept in touch with many of her old teachers. This resulted in me doing some archiving of videos of the history of various Ursuline Convents and communities. With the imminent closure of the Convent, after 117 years, we were invited to a Mass of Thanksgiving. I would be lying if I said I was overcome with joy as a one hour Mass would not be on my Friday to do list but knew how much it meant to Steph.
However, when the Covid restrictions were not lifted in June, the whole project had to be reworked. There were many who would have attended from abroad but were prevented by the rules and so I was asked to film it.
A few technical concerns were ironed out at a recce and the filming went off with 4 cameras (3 effectively locked off) without a hitch and more to the point with me on my very best behaviour. I actually found it quite emotional.
We have some inserts about the history, still to film later in London early next month but the edit of the Mass is complete and has been very well received.
My thanks go out to the whole team at Westgate for their kindness, assistance and hospitality.
