Ali rubs shoulders with royalty
Inspiring Music violin tutor Ali Brown got to rub shoulders with royalty at a special church service which was filmed for the BBC.
Ali was among the musicians handpicked to play at a Jubilee Thanksgiving Service at St Mary’s Church, in Islington, north London.
The service, which was attended by Her Majesty The Queen, was to celebrate 150 years of the Scripture Union.
The Scripture Union invited children and young people to explore the difference that Jesus can make to the challenges and adventures of life.
Ali was part of the All Souls Orchestra, conducted by Noel Tredinnick, at the service which featured music and theatrical performances.
It included a new hymn, God of Unchanging Grace, written by Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith for the occasion, while the Artless Theatre Company documented the entire history of the Scripture Union in five minutes.
The service was led by Timothy Hastie-Smith, the National Director of Scripture Union, and also included a Bible reading by Baroness Floella Benjamin, while Bishop of Durham Paul Butler gave the address.
Ali said: “It was a wonderful event made even more special with the children singing and, of course, Her Majesty being there. A real privilege.”
The venue was chosen as it was close to where Scripture Union founder Josiah Spiers held its first meeting in December 1867.
Classical singer Katherine Jenkins and presenter Pam Rhodes were also in attendance as the service formed part of a special Songs of Praise programme.
More information about the Scripture Union can be found on their website.
