0:00:04 > 0:00:07Today, we're in Hastings, a place famous for a battle
0:00:07 > 0:00:12that changed our history and for being a thriving seaside resort.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Welcome to Songs Of Praise.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18On the programme this week, I visit Battle Abbey
0:00:18 > 0:00:22and discover why William the Conqueror had built it.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24He had committed acts of great violence,
0:00:24 > 0:00:27so William had to make good for this,
0:00:27 > 0:00:30and that involved the foundation of Battle Abbey.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Claire McCollum travels to Malaga to meet a young Christian,
0:00:33 > 0:00:36whose faith has helped him make it all the way
0:00:36 > 0:00:38to the World Transplant Games.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42I visit a church who are filling Moses baskets for new mums.
0:00:42 > 0:00:43Peepo!
0:00:43 > 0:00:47And we have performances and hymns from all around the country.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Hastings' famous pier has recently been totally renovated
0:01:14 > 0:01:17at a cost of over ?14 million.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20When it was first opened in 1872,
0:01:20 > 0:01:2324,000 people walked these very planks,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25taking in the sea air and the sunshine -
0:01:25 > 0:01:28sentiments echoed in our opening hymn.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38# Summer suns are glowing
0:03:23 > 0:03:26BATTLEGROUND HUBBUB
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Hastings is synonymous, of course, with the battle of 1066,
0:03:32 > 0:03:34when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold
0:03:34 > 0:03:37and went on to become the new King of England.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Several thousand soldiers lost their lives in the battle,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42which happened on these very fields.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Battle Abbey was built here a few years later.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50Dr Michael Carter is an historian for English Heritage,
0:03:50 > 0:03:52and has offered to show me around.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55So, why did William build Battle Abbey?
0:03:55 > 0:03:58He had committed acts of great violence,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01actually an act of sacrilege, in killing an anointed king,
0:04:01 > 0:04:03so William had to make good for this,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06and penances or a series of good works
0:04:06 > 0:04:08were imposed on William and his henchmen,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11and that involved the foundation of Battle Abbey,
0:04:11 > 0:04:15where the monks here, every day, would sing services
0:04:15 > 0:04:18for the salvation of the souls of all those who'd died
0:04:18 > 0:04:21at the Battle of Hastings, Norman and Saxon alike.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24And the intention of the abbey was to pay back,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27in a never-ending round of good works,
0:04:27 > 0:04:31for the blood that had been shed here by William and his supporters.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34So, I can see the remains of the abbey over there,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36but what is the significance of this plaque?
0:04:36 > 0:04:39We're standing in the ruins of the great abbey church.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44This particular spot here was the site of the abbey's high altar,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46where high mass was celebrated every day.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49And sources, written within living memory
0:04:49 > 0:04:51of the Battle of Hastings, 1066 -
0:04:51 > 0:04:54one of the most famous dates in British history -
0:04:54 > 0:04:57mention that King William, William the Conqueror,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00called for the abbey's high altar to be built
0:05:00 > 0:05:04on the very spot where Harold's body was recovered.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14The construction of this abbey by William was the starting point
0:05:14 > 0:05:17for changes to Christianity across the country.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21There's a great wave of reform that comes with the Norman conquest,
0:05:21 > 0:05:26including the building of some great cathedrals that survive to this day,
0:05:26 > 0:05:27such as Durham Cathedral,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30instantly recognisable as Norman architecture -
0:05:30 > 0:05:34the heaviness of it, the round, circular-topped arches.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38It's a great time of rebuilding and we also get churchmen
0:05:38 > 0:05:41of enormous significance and talent coming from France
0:05:41 > 0:05:46and as far away as Italy to key positions within the English church.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49How and when did this beautiful abbey become a ruin?
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Battle Abbey, like every single monastery in England and Wales,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56fell victim to Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59And the end for Battle came in 1538,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02when the monks were cast out with pensions
0:06:02 > 0:06:05and the site is given to a courtier of Henry VIII.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09And he rapidly levels the monastic church.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Battle Abbey was at the centre of British Christian history
0:06:12 > 0:06:14and now, to celebrate our heritage,
0:06:14 > 0:06:20here's William Blake's classic hymn, set to music by Hubert Parry.
0:06:20 > 0:06:26# And did those feet in ancient time
0:06:26 > 0:06:32# Walk upon England's mountains green?
0:06:32 > 0:06:38# And was the holy Lamb of God
0:06:38 > 0:06:44# On England's pleasant pastures seen?
0:06:44 > 0:06:51# And did the countenance divine
0:06:51 > 0:06:57# Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
0:06:57 > 0:07:03# And was Jerusalem builded here
0:07:03 > 0:07:10# Among these dark Satanic mills?
0:07:18 > 0:07:25# Bring me my bow of burning gold
0:07:25 > 0:07:30# Bring me my arrows of desire
0:07:30 > 0:07:36# Bring me my spear Oh, clouds, unfold
0:07:36 > 0:07:42# Bring me my chariot of fire
0:07:42 > 0:07:48# I will not cease from mental fight
0:07:48 > 0:07:54# Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
0:07:54 > 0:08:01# Till we have built Jerusalem
0:08:01 > 0:08:09# In England's green and pleasant land. #
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Another reminder of our history is Hastings Castle,
0:08:31 > 0:08:33built by William the Conqueror, here on the south coast,
0:08:33 > 0:08:35to strengthen England's defences.
0:08:35 > 0:08:391,000 miles across the sea is Malaga,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41where Claire McCollum has been cheering on
0:08:41 > 0:08:43an extraordinary young man
0:08:43 > 0:08:46who has overcome the odds to represent Great Britain
0:08:46 > 0:08:49in a sporting event with a real difference.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56These are the 21st World Transplant Games.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58There are over 2,000 athletes
0:08:58 > 0:09:00from 50 different countries competing here,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03and every single one of them has undergone
0:09:03 > 0:09:05some form of organ transplant.
0:09:05 > 0:09:0816-year-old Luke Alexander is representing
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14His faith is at the centre of his family life
0:09:14 > 0:09:17and he's an altar server in his local church.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20What does it mean to you to be taking part here?
0:09:20 > 0:09:23It means so much to me. I'm really honoured to be here
0:09:23 > 0:09:26and I feel this is the best way to honour my donor family,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28just represent my country and, hopefully, getting a gold for them.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Luke's competing in the 5K time trials today,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36but he's been on a long journey to get here.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I was born with a rare liver condition called biliary atresia
0:09:40 > 0:09:43and it causes irreversible damage within the liver.
0:09:44 > 0:09:50When I was 12, I became very ill and it soon became apparent
0:09:50 > 0:09:55that I needed a liver transplant and, on 19th November, 2012,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58we received a call for an organ donation
0:09:58 > 0:10:02and we raced into hospital in blue lights into King's College.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05The next thing I knew, I was awake and up in ICU.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08It was very scary.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12For my family, it was, um, a rough period,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15but they found strength and support within the Church.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18The community in the parish that we have is a very good one
0:10:18 > 0:10:20and they helped my family out a lot.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23When he was undergoing the surgery, obviously, there was huge concern,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26but we are Catholics and we prayed and we prayed
0:10:26 > 0:10:29and we prayed and God listened.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34After my transplant, my energy levels just shot out the roof.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38It was really good to get back out and start exercising again
0:10:38 > 0:10:42and it was only when I went to Liverpool, last year,
0:10:42 > 0:10:46for the British Transplant Games, I realised I can do a lot more,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49I can push myself further, I can become a better athlete.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53I won four bronze medals and one silver and that was a highlight.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55I wasn't expecting any medals.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Reflecting back on it now,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00it definitely does make you think that God has a path for everyone.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Luke has been training six days a week
0:11:07 > 0:11:10for the last year, in preparation for this day.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12ANNOUNCER STARTS THE RACE
0:11:12 > 0:11:17His personal best for the 5km distance was just over 12 minutes.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21This time, he crossed the line in under ten
0:11:21 > 0:11:23and won gold in his category.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29To be here and compete, how thankful are you, Luke?
0:11:29 > 0:11:31I'm so glad, so thankful.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Words can't even describe how thankful I am.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35It's just an amazing opportunity.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38And your donor - what words would you have to say?
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Thank you. Everything I've done now, I owe it to you.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47Um... Yeah, just thank you very much for saying yes.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50It's a miracle, isn't it? I think it's a miracle of life.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54Um... It's something, I think, we just prayed and prayed,
0:11:54 > 0:11:56and we've prayed so much through the journey,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and to see the difference in him.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02And just thankful to the donor family
0:12:02 > 0:12:04for having made that decision. Yeah.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07And in their grief, they made such a powerful decision
0:12:07 > 0:12:10which has just changed our life for the better.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:12:13 > 0:12:15We're back in the UK for our next hymn,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18celebrating the summer on the sandy beach of Tenby.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57On September 10th, Songs Of Praise hosts singing on a grand scale,
0:14:57 > 0:14:58with our annual Big Sing.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02If you'd like to buy tickets for this event
0:15:02 > 0:15:05at the Royal Albert Hall, then please go to our website
0:15:05 > 0:15:07for all the details you need.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14And Big Sing regulars the Adventist Vocal Ensemble
0:15:14 > 0:15:16lead the congregation in our next hymn.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25# Every time I feel the spirit
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Behind the newly renovated Victorian splendour,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Hastings is not without its problems.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19It was recently ranked as one of the most deprived towns in the UK.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23But one church here is making a difference to people's lives,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26by helping some mums care for their newborn babies.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31King's Church takes part in a national charitable scheme
0:17:31 > 0:17:35called Baby Basics, which delivers a Moses basket of essentials
0:17:35 > 0:17:37to help mothers with newborn babies.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39So far, the main women we've been helping
0:17:39 > 0:17:41are victims of domestic violence,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45women who are homeless and women who've been trafficked
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and basically been enslaved and have now been set free,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50but they're pregnant and in desperate need of help -
0:17:50 > 0:17:53women who just wouldn't really know how to support their newborn baby
0:17:53 > 0:17:56and, actually, the idea of giving birth is something that's terrifying
0:17:56 > 0:17:57because they're wondering,
0:17:57 > 0:18:01"How am I going to support this life that I'm responsible for?"
0:18:01 > 0:18:04So, anything we can do to help, we're absolutely thrilled to do.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Are you getting a lot of support from the community for this?
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Yeah, we're getting fantastic support,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10where people are really rallying around,
0:18:10 > 0:18:14donating items such as nappies, wipes, bottles, clothing,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17a whole load of things, and really rallying to support mums in crisis.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20And how does your Christian faith play a part?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Well, we believe, as Christians, that we have been shown
0:18:23 > 0:18:26such great mercy and compassion and generosity from God
0:18:26 > 0:18:29that it's our responsibility to show that to anyone we can
0:18:29 > 0:18:31and everyone we can at any opportunity,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34so this project and many others are just ways
0:18:34 > 0:18:36that we get to show the love of God, his compassion, his mercy,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39to others, in the same way that we've experienced it.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43In the church, volunteers Davina and Rose are packing up
0:18:43 > 0:18:45a crib for their next delivery.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50And what are we putting inside? Well, we start off with the nappies.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52The nappies, sure. In the middle.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57And then we have at least 40 essential items for baby. Oh, wow!
0:18:57 > 0:18:59And I'm also seeing that there are some for mum as well,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01which is a lovely idea, because...
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Oh, yeah, we like to treat mum, especially after having a baby.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07And how many of these are you making, would you say, in a month?
0:19:07 > 0:19:10We're looking at doing about four to six a month,
0:19:10 > 0:19:13but we've just been over to the hospital
0:19:13 > 0:19:15and talked to the community midwives
0:19:15 > 0:19:18and we're hoping that the demand will increase from there.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21That's lovely. And these are all from donations from people.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23They are, yes.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25They're from the parent and toddler group here
0:19:25 > 0:19:28and we've also linked up with other churches,
0:19:28 > 0:19:29who are helping us as well.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Right, I have a donation for you.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Just a little something. Got some wipes. Thank you.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Some baby shampoo. Thank you.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41And a little onesie there with a little hat.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Ah, that is so sweet. That's brilliant. I'm very happy to help.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48This is such a great idea. Thank you. Thank you.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53Peepo!
0:19:53 > 0:19:56KATHERINE LAUGHS
0:19:57 > 0:20:01So, Lou, you donate to the Baby Basics here. Why do you do that?
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Um, I donate because I've got two girls of my own,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08another one on the way, and I just know how many things you need,
0:20:08 > 0:20:13whether it's a sippy cup or shampoo, and all of it tots up, really.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15You're a member of the church here.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Do you feel like your faith plays a part in this? Yeah, definitely.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22I mean, being part of a church, it's just such an amazing...
0:20:22 > 0:20:24You just feel part of a family
0:20:24 > 0:20:28and I can't imagine life without having that support and family.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30So, to be able to bless someone and think,
0:20:30 > 0:20:35"Let's show God's love to others, as we know that God shows to us,"
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and just make them feel like they're part of the family, really.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Growing up as a chorister,
0:23:40 > 0:23:42I know the importance of choral singing
0:23:42 > 0:23:46and one group who are keen to fly the flag are Voces8,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49who've been taking their inspiring music to the inner cities,
0:23:49 > 0:23:53as another former chorister, Sean Fletcher, has been finding out.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57# And where was I?
0:23:57 > 0:24:01# And where was I before the day...? #
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Classical chart-topping choir Voces8 are used to playing
0:24:05 > 0:24:07concerts all over the world.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10But today, they're helping 180 boys
0:24:10 > 0:24:12from ten schools across Leicestershire
0:24:12 > 0:24:15to find their singing voices for the first time.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19Lads ranging in age from 8 to 14 have come here, to De Montfort Hall,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22to rehearse for a gala performance tonight.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Just have a listen to the first part of this melody.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Could you sing it for us? Part number one goes like this.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34# Thula, thula bamba, thula... #
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Let's have a go. All together. Three and...
0:24:36 > 0:24:42# Thula, thula bamba, thula. #
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Very nice. Next part.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Voces8 founder Paul Smith wants to pass on his passion for singing.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51We were pretty much as lucky as you could possibly imagine to be,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53in terms of the education we had.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Many of us were choristers in cathedral choirs around the UK
0:24:56 > 0:24:59and so, we see it as our responsibility, I suppose,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02to try and share what we have learned
0:25:02 > 0:25:04and pass it on to the next generation.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06When you see me do this, this means keep going.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09When you see me do that, what does that mean? BOYS: Stop. Very good.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11A couple of things that struck me when I was watching the rehearsals
0:25:11 > 0:25:15is it was all boys and there's a real mix, in terms of ethnicity.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Using singing as a vehicle for pulling people together
0:25:18 > 0:25:22from all walks of life is incredibly important to us.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24This is one of our projects which is really focusing
0:25:24 > 0:25:29on trying to get young boys singing, to get across the difficult boundary
0:25:29 > 0:25:32between primary school and secondary school.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33Often, it's those early teenage years,
0:25:33 > 0:25:37where boys, for a number of different reasons,
0:25:37 > 0:25:41will lose their love of making music and the freedom of singing.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Last time.
0:25:43 > 0:25:49# Thula, thula bamba, thula
0:25:49 > 0:25:52# Thula bamba, thula
0:25:52 > 0:25:57# Thula, bamba, thula. #
0:25:57 > 0:26:00The music is mainly secular, isn't it?
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Well, in Voces8, we sing a really wide spectrum of music
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and, in a project we've just done in France,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08we had secular music alongside sacred music.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09I think if you can open music up
0:26:09 > 0:26:12and say it's not about being sacred or secular,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14it's about saying it's great music.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16In and of itself, it has a great message
0:26:16 > 0:26:18and it's incredibly beautiful to sing.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19I sort of sense that, maybe,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21if there were two or three kids in the future
0:26:21 > 0:26:23who go on to get into music or love music,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25does that feel like the job is done?
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Actually, there are some students we've worked with,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29we've sort of kept track of them,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32and those that started off as young singers, as part of our programme,
0:26:32 > 0:26:35are now beginning to start a professional life
0:26:35 > 0:26:39as a young singer, and that is, for us, where it all counts.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Hey, high five.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Paul certainly loves singing, but what about has new recruits?
0:26:45 > 0:26:46It's almost like proving to other people
0:26:46 > 0:26:49that singing isn't just a girl thing.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51It's to do with everyone as well.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Boys can sing just as well as other people.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55So, who is nervous about tonight?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I'm very nervous. You're really nervous, are you?
0:26:58 > 0:27:02Do you know how many people are going to be there? Um, 1,200 people.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Well, it sounds great, so just go out there and sing your heart out.
0:27:05 > 0:27:10# Thula, thula, bamba, thula
0:27:10 > 0:27:12# Thula bamba... #
0:27:12 > 0:27:16A few hours later, Paul's latest proteges put their nerves aside
0:27:16 > 0:27:19and take to the stage to perform for their families and friends.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24# Thula, thula bamba, thula
0:27:24 > 0:27:28# Thula bamba, thula
0:27:28 > 0:27:33# Thula bamba, thula... #
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Can choral music change their lives? Absolutely.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It is a life-changing thing, to be in a choir.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42I cannot emphasise that enough.
0:27:42 > 0:27:49# Thula bamba, thula. #
0:27:49 > 0:27:51CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Perhaps there will be a future chorister there, on the stage,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59who will go on to be in a group such as Voces8.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Here they are now, performing Lux Aeterna.
0:28:02 > 0:28:08THEY SING IN LATIN IN MULTI-PART HARMONY
0:28:28 > 0:28:32THEY SING IN LATIN IN MULTI-PART HARMONY
0:29:02 > 0:29:07THEY SING IN LATIN IN MULTI-PART HARMONY
0:29:30 > 0:29:35THEY SING IN LATIN IN MULTI-PART HARMONY
0:30:02 > 0:30:06THEY SING IN LATIN IN MULTI-PART HARMONY
0:30:51 > 0:30:55Next week, Aled is in London to reflect on signs of hope,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57following recent difficult events.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01We need to clear this road so that the fire engine can get through.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03Josie d'Arby is at a training session
0:31:03 > 0:31:06with the emergency services and the Salvation Army.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09And there are uplifting hymns from Southwark Cathedral.
0:31:09 > 0:31:15Our final hymn, Praise My Soul, is older than this 19th-century pier,
0:31:15 > 0:31:17but still remains a favourite today.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Until next time, goodbye.
0:31:26 > 0:31:32# Praise my soul the King of Heaven