Rev David Hope

[Crusoe]

Well, this was a curious one. I certainly found him to be an odd character and the programme seemed to highlight some contradictions.

He sounded like quite a warm person and I was impressed by his commitment to the lives of ordinary people but I thought that that personality seemed to be at odds with his views on some topics, which seemed quite harsh and reactionary, as well as his role, at times, as a sort of “enforcer” for the church. I liked his descriptions of Yorkshire, though and, from the way he spoke, I could understand why he was so keen to go back there. I did, however, get the feeling that he was being interviewed as a sort of public figure, concentrating on his career, rather than getting to know him in a more personal way.

I suppose that some of the musical choices were to be expected of a churchman (although there was nothing too obvious like Handel’s “Messiah”) and I wasn’t particularly taken with most of them (personally) but did enjoy the fact that he’d chosen “On Ilkley Moor Baht ‘At”: clearly a Yorkshireman through and through (but why “The Floral Dance”: isn’t that associated more with Cornwall?)

[And My Name Is Larry]

webb said:

Well, this was a curious one. I certainly found him to be an odd character and the programme seemed to highlight some contradictions.

I, too, found it rather ‘curious’ Crusoe! One detected an anti-establishment offshoot to his character when he chose to relinquish his senior position within the C of E and return to a parish. However – and as you say – he’s a complete traditionalist in terms of dogma.

The synopsis of his background on the DID web page describes how he was captivated by the ‘ritual and atmosphere’ of Wakefield cathedral. So I wonder why he didn’t become a Catholic? He didn’t discuss anything about the nature of his vocation or the role of prayer within his life. How does one integrate faith into an evolutionary universe which is wave-like in nature? I think the producer and presenter were probably responsible for the rather dull discussion, but the whole programme just stuck me as directionless. Why can’t clerics speak openly about their own sexual feelings? The rest of us struggle with all these issues and discuss them. If abstinence is good for the soul, then let’s hear an explanation as to why this is the case. I don’t know if anyone here watched The Monastery on BBC2 a few months ago, but I really respected the priest who discussed masturbation with one of the individuals taking part in the retreat. The Nun I never was which was broadcast on R4 about 18months to 2 years ago was also another excellent programme with ex-nuns speaking openly about very personal issues within their lives.

I loved the part when he spoke about listening to the buildings breathing in London (I think) on a Sunday when there wasn’t any trading. It’s difficult to find silence anywhere these days, so I understood his views.

The Yorkshire accent has always struck me as very unmusical and harsh and I always find it very difficult to penetrate the true nature of the Yorkshire character. George Barford (in The Archers) was another Yorkshireman that I had difficulty with. I was never convinced that he really loved Chrrrrreeeeeiiiiss.

I didn’t understand the reference to fast cars when it transpired that he was simply visited by a journalist driving a Lotus. Did I miss something something here? I’d assumed at the beginning of the programme that he was a classic car enthusiast.

On the subject of the music, I really hate On Ilkley Moor Baht'at which strikes me as one of the most unmusical songs of all-time. The same applies to The Floral Dance, but I do like Lift Thine Eyes to the Mountains from Elijah. I wasn’t left with the impression that music was important within his life.

The whole programme sounded more like an old style R2-type broadcast, but it struck me that Richard Ingrams would be the right kind of person to interview him.

P.S. Forgot to mention that most of the priests that I’ve know throughout my life have listened to quite a bit of radio and R4, but you never hear them mentioning this on DID.
PPS. I liked his lack of interest in materialism.

[And My Name Is Larry]

Ooooops, forgot to mention about the c*ck-up over what subject he read at university. I noted that he corrected Ms. Lawley when she said that he didn’t read Theology at university. Do you think a programme researcher got beaten up – or had their Christmas meal cancelled - for that mistake?

[I forgot who I am]

In his case, as in so many, the choice of music seems to be determined by the individual's effort to paint a musical portrait of deep-rootedness in some sort of perceived concept of being able to show belonging, education and earthiness. I remain quite unconvinced of anything but self-conciousness and conformism.

[sea horse]

I thought his attitude to women in the church, i.e. as pastors and priests, or rather his argument for not allowing them to be ordained, was a real cop-out.
And his 'non-practising' criteria about when to accept homosexuals in the church a very ducking-the-issue argument.
What he meant with 'both issues will continue to divide Anglicans for the rest of his lifetime' is that he won't take up the causes. And that attitude may have played a role in why he stepped down.

A most unimpressive shepherd. (I'm not of the flock, but even so think sheep deserve better).

And I don't know how he can feel he belongs to Yorkshire with such wishy-washyness.

[I forgot who I am]

I just 'listened again' to Private Passions with Raymond Baxter. The old gentleman spoke like the true representative of his era you would expect him to be, including his riotous description: "the spitfire, a darling little aeroplane." Priceless.

I loved his choice of music, especially the Django Reinhardt and a piece of organ music, I had never heard of and which made me feel very cheerful: Norman Tucker Tuba Tune Francis Jackson (the organ of York Minster).

I also think very few people could ever tire of the classic Bizet Au fond du temple saint (from Les pecheurs de Perle, Act 1) Jussi Bjorling (tenor) & Robert Merrill (baritone), RCA Victor Orchestra/Renato Cellini - however often I hear this piece I feel one would have followed Jussi Bjorling till the end of the earth to hear his mesmerizing tones. Luckily they are preserved. Is it Bizet or Bjorling? - probably the magic combination.

Baxter came across as a very genuine person unlike many of the ora-creationists one often hears on DID. I still believe this is mainly due to a format which has largely outlived its usefulness. Michael Berkely always puts his guests at total ease and it brings results.

[And My Name Is Larry]

I said:

Michael Berkely always puts his guests at total ease and it brings results.

Agreed – I like his tolerance and genuine interest in PP guests. You can always tell that they like him. I must say, though, that I thought Sheila Hancock and Mark Lawson were simply dreadful (not Mr. Berkeley’s fault).

I’m also great fan of Roger Wright – the only radio controller who doesn’t stage manage their appearances on Feedback. Mr Wright is never snooty and always addresses correspondents with their name – unlike some members of a certain other major BBC radio network.

P.S. I don’t like it when Mr. Berkeley says: ‘People often come late to classical music’.

[Today I am Windsurfer afloat]

And said:

I said:

Michael Berkely always puts his guests at total ease and it brings results.

P.S. I don’t like it when Mr. Berkeley says: ‘People often come late to classical music’.

I am short of apophthegms myself, so I find it easy to forgive truism in conversation - the annoying bit is the repetition. After all, it is an edited series of programmes and not only the current conversation with a guest.