An Evening with Pam Rhodes

(BBC Songs of Praise)

Promoted by The Mayor of Dacorum Cllr. Stephen Holmes

On Saturday 3 October 2009 Pam gave us a very interesting and uplifting talk on her experiences as a presenter with ‘Songs of Praise’.

Did you know that she has been a presenter on the programme for 22 years and that in 2011 ‘Songs of Praise’ will have been running

for 50 years?!!

She reminisced about the people she has met and places she has visited over the years and in particular spoke about some of the more

memorable events that she has covered. During her time on the programme she has met a lot of interesting people – many of whom

were ordinary people but all of whom had remarkable stories to tell.  

‘Songs of Praise’ has had to move with the times and that is one of the reasons why it is still very popular.  She told how the

programme has changed to incorporate more ‘outside’ events and more ‘overseas’ locations with less emphasis on  being inside

the church buildings, and the introduction of more modern songs along side the old favourite hymns.  She spoke very fondly of past

presenters, especially Harry Secombe.

Pam also spoke about her personal life and her current involvement with the RSPCA, as she runs the Biggleswade Cat Lodge in

Bedfordshire.

She encouraged us all to continue our support the ‘Organ Fund’ as the instrument is fundamental in bringing music to the

community as well as being part of the religious life of the church itself.

The evening was introduced by the Mayor of Dacorum, Cllr. Stephen Holmes and James Reveley gave an overview of

the past musical events run as part of MASJ stressing the importance of the organ.  We were given a ‘display’ by Nicholas King

showing just how many of the parts of the existing organ no longer work and were then royally treated to a lovely performance

of Vivaldi’s ‘Nulla in mundo pax sincera’ by Katherine Boyce (soprano).

After Pam had spoken for 40 minutes or so, we sang one of her favourite hymns ‘Great is thy faithfulness’ and the Mayor brought

proceedings to a close.  After this, refreshments were served at the back of the church and Pam signed copies of her latest books.

I think she almost ‘sold out’.

On her way out Pam told me she will come back when the new organ is in place.