Hartley folk would never forget the evening of Sunday, 19th October 1879. The annual archdeaconry service always attracted a full congregation and this one was no exception. Quite the contrary; it was the best turn out ever, according to the vergers and sidesmen on duty. Chairs were brought to seat the many additional singers (the choir stalls were full to overflowing) and the massive congregation, some of whom at least had turned up to see what the Parish Church’s new Organist and Choirmaster was like.

Optimism was in the air. Stanford George had recovered from the disaster of 16 October (or so he thought) and the morning service had been negotiated without incident. The choir members were in full attendance: 90 in all, resplendent in cassocks and surplices; not a hair out of place; not a murmur durin...

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