Canon J. O. Stephens

Yesterday I published a press report about Blankney Parish Choir and Bellringers Annual Supper, hosted by the vicar, John Otter Stephens, at Blankney vicarage. Today we get a closer look at one of these occasions, through the eyes of a member of the choir who was present.

The annual adult members choir supper was held at the Rectory on Monday evening last. The Company, which included the bellringer's and two of their friends from Lincoln, assembled at 7.30 p.m., the Rector , as usual providing in his A1 style, to which justice was done. After the cloths were removed the remainder of the evening was spent in games, puffing the fragrant weed, the Rector's cigarettes coming in for a fair share of sampling, harmony etc. during the intervals the Rector giving several of his little speeches of sound, practical advice which it is to be hoped it will have the desired effect. The gentlemen very kindly obliging with songs were Mr. Edwards (choir master), Mr. Disney, Mr. Aslet, Mr. Houghton and Mr. Tye, Mr Edwards accompanying. Mrs Stephens and the young ladies very thoughtfully arranged the dining room with choice flowers from sunny la belle France and evergreens, which had a very charming effect, and which the Rector quite surprised us all by placing under the magic rays of the electric light. The usual vote of thanks to the Rector, Mrs. Stephens, the young ladies and the choirmaster, after singing the National Anthem about midnight, brought another happy gathering to an end.............Signed TENOR