1963

Harry Williamson (treble 1959-1963)

From Harry: "I have a roll of 35 mm film taken by BBC Plymouth as a final shot from one of my dad's documentaries [Henry Williamson, of Tarka the Otter fame], in 1963. Henry really loved the peace and music in the cathedral and after telling a particularly harrowing story to camera, he asked if they could film the choir singing something. I think Lionel Dakers suggested we make a recording of 'My beloved Spake' by Patrick Hadley which we were rehearsing. It was filmed without a congregation in the choir, and the last minute ended with a closeup of myself. (I remember the huge camera was a bit daunting but I tried not to look at the lens.)

In the end, the film was about a minute too long so I was completely cut out of the film. The rest of the choir is shown closeup as the camera made a tracking shot, and then it faded.

My father was kindly given the out take reel, which I was given as a consolation prize. The photograph here is one frame from the film."

Source: Harry Williamson, 2020 (now living in Melbourne, Australia and is a professional musician)