Game, set and a love match in Dunblane
As we reach Dunblane Cathedral, another choir member, Betty Colmer, has a very unique reason for her fond connection with the sacred space. Read on to find out...
Dunblane Cathedral is a fascinating building that stands on a site which has been sacred for well over 1,000 years. Its beautiful Gothic exterior, conserved by a 19th century restoration, hides a past of neglect and renewal.
The distinctive red sandstone tower sits at a strange angle to the later church, which was laid out in one go and survives mainly because it went on to serve as a parish church. The chancel was used for worship up until 1886, when it was deemed too small.
The ruined nave was restored to the designs of Robert Rowand Anderson from 1889, with the weathered medieval stonework retained.
Today, the church is an active place if worship. Inside are Pictish carved stones, rare 15th century choir stalls and handsome 19th century church furnishings.
A strong musical tradition helps to inspire and unite people in their praises.
Dunblane boasts a flourishing Boys' Brigade Company and the community is proud of its large BB Band which regularly parades through the town's streets, filling it with music. In this era of dwindling BB company numbers and disappearing Company Bands, it is a particular delight to hear the marvellous music they make and the numbers associated with it.
Although conscious of the long tradition of which they are a part, and the significance of the beautiful building in which it gathers, the congregation is neither inward nor backward looking. A strong link with the community of Likhubula in Malawi has become an important part of its life, and there is an emphasis on remembering those within the wider world who suffer as a result of poverty and other injustices.
Its range of activities reflects the care for people of all ages and people strive to support one another, especially at times of particular need.
Dunblane has a special place in my heart as that is where, at the age of 16 (many moons ago), I met my husband, Chris, at a Methodist Youth Weekend in Churches House. Old Churches House is now an hotel and restaurant but back then it was a Church of Scotland facility. I remember well our weekend there, and the fun we had, when a couple of the boys climbed out of the bedroom windows (the bedrooms were on the ground floor!), during the night, and ran through the graveyard with sheets over themselves to try and frighten the girls. We also attended the church service in the cathedral on the Sunday morning.
Dunblane itself is a pretty town to visit with lovely walks along the river bank and plenty of benches to sit on to watch the river running by.
Mine and Chris's wasn't the only successful match made in Dunblane though. It is, of course, the birthplace of famous tennis brothers, Jamie and Andy Murray, who have brought so much success in the sport to the UK. Andy's golden post box stands in Dunblane High Street commemorating his gold medal success in the London 2012 Olympic Games.
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