THE STONE FAMILY 

Dear Friends,

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Here’s our round-up of news for the year...

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Tim: It’s been a very challenging year, but even with the pandemic and challenges of lockdown I’m very grateful for new relationships, Chelsea coming 4th, finishing my internship with Coventry Elim and starting my degree at Nexus ICA. I’m really looking forward to 2021, finishing first year and (hopefully) breaking out of lockdown.

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Alastair: Despite all that has happened over the last year, I’ve tried to make the most of it. Continuing my gap year at Coventry Cathedral, I was one of many to lead a virtual choir (resonating particularly with Eric Whitacre’s quote, “if there is one thing the Virtual Choir has taught me it is that regardless of race, creed, color, gender or voice type, singers all over the 
world love to procrastinate”). I eventually left for university where, although events like freshers week and matriculation were very different, term continued as best it could. I can be thankful that I had a bit more time to do all my work, and that my household is fab. I look forward to next year, hoping for merciful prelims and an evensong once in a while. Merry Christmas! 

 

Buff: the most significant event this year was that Granny died from COVID early on in the pandemic. We are so grateful for the staff in her nursing home and though we couldn’t be with her, we felt that she died surrounded by love and care. David led a beautiful online service for the family. However, it’s impossible to talk about my mum without laughing. She brought us such joy and unconditional love (and a few choice bon mots...). Otherwise, we have done church online, been frustrated with all the things we couldn’t do but have persisted with Foodbank, and supporting families at home. Some things have surprisingly flourished, others not so much! David and I managed to escape to the awesome Gower (when allowed) and hope for better adventures next year. Once again the Christmas message resonates: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

David: A year dominated for us as for everyone by you know what with a curious combination of exhausting sadness to endure and challenging hurdles to overcome. Such as being in charge of the Cathedral’s virtual output, which has gathered viewers from the far corners of the world and will become a permanent feature of our post-pandemic life. And one good thing from all this – I can now record my Sunday radio show from home and so no longer have to disturb my beloved’s beauty sleep at 6 am!

 

With our love and best wishes for Christmas and all that 2021 will bring.

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David, Buff, Tim and Alastair Stone