John Gibson: It was rustic Rowan to the rescue again

Published on Thursday 11 March 2010 08:59

WHAT is it about Songs of Praise? Each time I see it I feel . . well, flawed as a person. Unclean, almost. Usually Songs is on just before the football results on the BBC's tea-time news, when I feel the devil's hand on my shoulder.

Seeing all these good Christians out there singing their hearts out. For them, surely devout churchgoers off screen, it must be like sitting in the dentist's chair. Open wide, they're told by the producer, you're on camera.

Apparently self-righteous, perhaps they are truly, reverently, deeply singing to their maker. Cop those eyes, too. Suitably expressive.

It's invariably a performance and top of the bill this week, our old mate the Archbishop of Canterbury, ever the very man for a soundbite. Rowan had a story to tell. One we'd heard before. He was in one of the twin towers on 9/11.

They all held hands and prayed. "Let's not be afraid to tell God how afraid we are," he told them. It worked for some that day. For others, the dastardly day of reckoning.

I've never quite known what to make of it all. If you do, call Songs of Praise. They'll want to hear from you. Be sure to remember to open wide. Somebody up there could be listening and watching.

Oh and always in fresh underwear on the Sabbath. You could be run over on your way to church.

End of an era

PASSERS-BY would stop and stare, fascinated, into Grays' windows in George Street. Even when they had no intention of buying. An institution and it's just gone.

Particularly sad for Brian Smellie, the managing director. During his tenure there he had two stints as chairman of the George Street Association, one of four years, then another of three.

"It's the best street in Edinburgh to work in, with the lovely monuments," claims Brian.

"Alas, it doesn't figure in the city council's priorities. Despite the fact that its welfare doesn't seem to concern them, George Street flourishes. Not just for retailers. For banks, insurance offices and the mostly positive influence of the numerous restaurants.

"The Association will continue to play an important. I've resigned my membership but I leave it in excellent hands."