Gibb photograph archive, Volume 2

No. 9 - Procession from Chapter House to Brewer Door.

The context of this procession is unknown. It is led by the Dog Whipper carrying the long staff designed originally to clear dogs away from processions. The Dog Whipper was usually the junior virger. The other three virgers would have been further behind in the procession, virging the Chapter and the Dean, with the Head Virger leading the Dean, or Bishop if present.

The virger at the front is Ted Hart (information from David Conway (? - 2020), who was involved with the cathedral from the 1930s). E.R. Hart (Edward) was head virger in 1941, according to one of Gibb's captions (see negative 1). If he was head virger for the period of this photograph, it is unusual that he would have led as Dog Whipper.

The crucifer is Jim Dimond (information from David Conway). He is probably the father of Wilf Dimond who also acted as crucifer from the 1940s to at least the 1980s; see Easter Sunday 1948, where the surname is spelled Dymond - not sure which of the variants is correct.

The processional practice at Exeter is slightly unusual compared to other cathedrals. The order into a service is juniors first, which is common elsewhere too. The order out is the unusual part, with seniors first; so the senior-most clergy start, Bishop (if present) then Dean, followed by the Chapter then Prebendaries (who are part of the Greater Chapter) etc. The choristers leave last, after the adult singers.

Behind the Crucifer is Rev Reginald Llewellyn, Succentor. Then Dr Alfred Wilcock, Organist.

Commentary by Eric Dare: Behind Reggie Llewellyn, Dr Wilcock ('Baldy'). I think I can recognize three of the choristers: Ryall, Milner and Bailey. I was a junior when we were all called into the senior common room to witness a 'court' to 'try' him. I think he was disliked because he had the same
name as 'Guv' - Richard William Bailey (Langhorne).

The timber structure on the left-hand side of the photograph is presumably scaffolding.