Tim Harper

Musician, actor, vicar. Canon Emeritus Christ Church Cathedral Oxford. Assoc Area Dean Aylesbury, Trustee Oxford Diocesan Board of Education.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Henry Harper, my grandson (no 4 GC) who is looking forward to the birth of his little cousin Esther this Sunday, followed in mid April by the birth of his little brother. Gosh, bit like Abraham my tents are expanding.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

GrandpaTim in action yesterday. I look a bit serious, but was watching a documentary about Tree Porcupines giving birth. Apparently the offspring are called ‘Porcupets’.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

To the wonderful St John, Whitchurch, Bucks this morning. On a Jan winter’s day I have seldom been more chilled by the cold and warmed by the people.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Gainsborough’s ‘Pink Boy’ by my station at Waddesdon today. Met at least 20 people I know on my late afternoon shift. ‘Hi Tim’ all over the place.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Not an infant singed so far! 3 Christingle services down, 2 to go. Will my luck hold? Henry and I met Amersham Band playing in the Old Town this afternoon. No one around so they let me conduct and he was the audience. Jingle Bells well received.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Listen live or on catch up to the Tim and Lisa Classical Christmas Show tomorrow (Sunday 7 Dec) at 2pm. All the best trad and modern carols in great arrangements, plus advice and live tasting of Christmas cheeses!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

A sell out today! My first shift of the Christmas season at Waddesdon Manor. So cold, but spectacular!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

What an extraordinary Norman carved doorway ‘with beaked ornaments and stars and flowers’ at Twyford Church today. I am the latest in pushing a thousand years to be welcoming folk by it on a Sunday morning. Sadly my last time here too.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Parish church with cricket field and clubhouse next door. Throw in a pub and everything is as it ought to be. At the magnificent St Mary Thame (Oxon) today to lead a memorial service.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Fin de saison at Waddesdon but I seem to have missed lunch!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Such a wonderful autumn evening light as my shift finished today. Very busy in the house and restaurant esp for afternoon tea!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

My ears are still ringing! Relay of Bellini’s bel canto opera ‘La Sonnambula’ at Aylesbury this eve. Impressive vocals (the Count looks and sounds like I think I do but don’t) but however something of a battering. Joys and sorrows.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Leading at the magnificent Long Crendon church this morning, only to find that the vicar has a huge Lego set to play with in the vestry. A harmless vice!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Great Harvest at St Mary Stoke Mandeville this morning. We were thinking about Jamie Oliver’s challenge to ‘shop smart, cook clever, waste less.’ Rubbish grammar but great advice!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

At the wonderful Steeple Claydon this morning (after taking services at Chetwode and Preston Bisset) for two delightful baptisms. Even the sun came out!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Church packed for Tony the local coalman in Twyford today. His family hoisted up the coffin saying ‘last load lads.’ They even delivered coal to Chequers in the old days. Good thing it wasn’t delivery day yesterday!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

This bloke went to sleep in a sermon here at beautiful Stoke Mandeville church some time ago and has yet to wake up. I must try harder next time!

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

How gentlemen clerics spent Sunday in the good old days: leading service at the gorgeous St Mary Monks Risboro in the morning, then the billiard room at Waddesdon Manor in the afternoon. Times have changed! Well, I still did both.

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Kimblebow this eve

[Tim Harper @TimHarp89114041]

Wot no fire lit for me in the old vestry at East Claydon church this morning? What a fantastic place tho on a beautiful English late summer day. They laughed at my jokes too!