BBC Songs of Praise at Holy Trinity Church

As expected, BBC Songs of Praise is nothing like you expect it to be when you see it on TV. The conductor, the producer, the floor manager and the director got us to sing with a smile and encouraged us to be animated as we sang. Cameras weaved in and out and took on a personality of their own. 'Jimmy' was the long armed camera, whose very mobile lens reminded me of a 'triffid', picked out likely candidates for a close up shot.

It is a great honour to be chosen by the BBC to record the Remembrance Service from Folkestone. Every seat in the church was taken and the sound from the congregation was incredible. It does tend to put you off when a camera comes so close to your face but after the fifth attempt at each hymn takes the edge off any nerves.

I was delighted to have my daughter accompany me as the Mayoress, because my wife, a curate at Holy Trinity, was robed at the front and therefore not able to perform the role as Mayoress that evening.

Kathryn Jenkins took several attempts to record her introduction and closing comments, not helped by the prompt boards not staying still. Her recording of songs took place earlier in the day, which disappointed many of the people assembled.

I am really looking forward to watching the programme when it comes out on Sunday 14th November.