IN AWE: THOMAS HARDY’S STINSFORD

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Thank you!

[@lechatbotte5178]

This must certainly be the most beautiful video I’ve ever watched here on KZbin.

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Very kind, thanks ☺️

[@PeterMigliorini-x4o]

Simply a wonderful video presentation that was more than visually appealling! Please accept my sincere compliment in how you use the elements of dialogue, narrative, poetry, AND musical selection in creating an extremely enjoyable & memoriable offering! Well done, sir! These Sunday offerings have become such a welcomed life routine for me which ALWAYS brings a smile to my face & emotional uplift to my soul. I sincerely appreciate your talents, your efforts, & must thank you for sharing such with us viewers! This is Peter M; out!

[@stephandippon9973]

Wonderful comment. I can't say it in a better way. Thank you Ben & Billy AND CONTINUE!

[@jamesallison4875]

Very well said.

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

And the poet said, play on, dear Ben...❤

[@jf7243]

I need to tell you my wife and I recently, well in June this year walked from Tisbury to Lyme Regis 120km in ten days with a company based in your very own hometown of Salisbury. The walk was called in the footsteps of Thomas Hardy. Simply delightful it was, the weather was perfect and the views and villages sublime! Greeting from Australia!

[@paulhall170]

Again, thank you Ben for your contrary voice in a mad, mad, mad world. Peace and joy is found in God, and in His music, so thank you for sharing it with us!

[@mozdickson]

Great comment.

[@PortsladeBySea]

@@mozdicksonTotally agree…from another Dixon 🤭

[@zonabrown9241]

@@paulhall170 totally 👍

[@kesmarn]

A bit of an audible gasp here with the closing line of Hardy's brief poem: "We've got as far as poison gas." Still, it's not difficult to understand how WWI could have made a cynic out of almost anyone. Nevertheless, I have a feeling that if Hardy had walked into that beautiful church today -- 100 years after that poem was written -- had heard that perfect music on such a charming organ and felt how deeply he was appreciated, his heart might have recognized that humans don't give up on beauty all that easily. Especially when they have someone like you, Ben, to remind them.

[@PortsladeBySea]

Excellent comment 👍

[@kesmarn]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@LawrenceFell-h3n]

Very, very interesting Ben .

[@gaze505]

I think I understand what you mean. Hardy wanted to be a writer of poetry… but he gave us “The Woodlanders”.

[@gaze505]

It is a joy to be acquainted with you, Ben.

[@Ashley-uk4ld]

Thank you Ben for this wonderful tribute to Thomas Hardy and for letting us accompany you into this most beautiful church of St. Michael's!

[@sueco_r]

Unlike many of the other churches I've seen on this channel, this one feels like it is still loved by it's local comunity

[@marthawatson4162]

Good Evening Ben from New Jersey. I loved St. Michael's Church and the beautiful decorations with flowers. Brought tears to my eyes listening to you reading Thomas Hardy's beautiful poem to his wife. Thank you for playing Baroque music. Another wonderful way to end Sunday Evening.

[@PortsladeBySea]

Totally agree. The flowers surrounding the entrance to the church were stunning. They obviously have a team of talented helpers 🛐❤👍

[@marie-annecody83]

The church itself is really lovely, it looks like a wood with many glades...never seen the like..

[@davidwelch6796]

You mentioned Hardy's appreciation of the moral value of attending church. It occurs to me that walking to church on such beautiful footpaths as the ones that you show us in this wonderful video, must surely better prepare the church goer for the service to come than a car journey to the same event. When I was young our family had a choice of two routes to church, one past various fine old houses, some race horse stables and a shop, while the second took in a footpath by a beautiful little stream and on past the vicar's vegetable garden near the church. The vicar was no gardener but his vegetables were well looked after by the church warden. The second route was always my favourite.

[@bobbyhendley3084]

Again, I’m so thankful you have that awesome caravan now!

[@Musician-Lee]

I’m sure your videos are getting better and better Ben. The editing on this one is outstanding and once again your presentation style had me riveted from the start. Harvest time is always emotional for me as my mother’s family were farmers and we always went to the Harvest Festival service. I’ve learned a lot from you about Thomas Hardy, for which I am very grateful. With best wishes.

[@SeanNCraleigh]

This was a great video. I enjoyed the history of Thomas Hardy and of course, the English countryside is always spectacular. In the USA, we studied English literature during our last year of high school. So this was the time that I discovered Thomas Hardy..amazing. You make beautiful professional quality videos. I really enjoy watching them and your narration is mesmerizing. The sound of this organ today was definitely Baroque sounding, perfect for Handel. Thanks for sharing your unique combination of talents in these videos. Sending you a PayPal donation.

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

Blessings for so richly describing How valuable are these video efforts from Ben, with help from his brother, Billy.

[@David-tm8sl]

Such a beautiful church and music. Thank you for sharing your passion ❤😊

[@debbiemiller2877]

Love the music and the walks down the lanes. Thanks

[@heatherleslie5874]

Beautifully filmed and narrated!

[@timothyj1966]

What a Beautiful Vlog. Well Done. Nice to see a Church decorated for Harvest. We have Canadian Thanksgiving next Weekend. Turkey, Dressing, Cranberry, Potatoes, Squash, Turnip and PUMPKIN Pie. Thanks so much for playing one of my Favourite Hymns, Come Ye Thankful People, Come. Brings back fond memories of Childhood and Church at Autumn.CHEERS from Canada 🍁🍂🙏🏽🍁🍂🦃🍂🎃🍂🍁🦃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦

[@Muttonchop57]

In November, for my U.S. Thanksgiving I'll be making my traditional one pot Crockpot dinner: Turkey breast, frozen vegetables and frozen mixed vegetables with turkey stock. Guests will bring pumpkin pie and wine.

[@margidaly6874]

Such a beautiful church glorious music to accompany the harvest decorations Thank you for taking us along.

[@brucemaza9957]

Vaughan Williams in the background? Perfect. Perfect.

[@alyswilliams9571]

Yes, I heard it too. Lovely. RVW is just about my favourite composer and writer of song.

[@JudyOliver-dy2wb]

Yes! My favorite too.

[@cs3742]

Ended in heartfelt tears, as usual

[@gregcrease8066]

Loved the mix of the birdsong with the end of the Dead March. Stunning stained glass!

[@ladystardust-ux6ft]

Went to one of his houses owned by National Trust. Reminds me of that. God bless!🌳

[@anon-u3m]

Was it Max Gate? Well worth a visit

[@laurahunt2279]

Thank you so much for Hardy! For several years, I lead students from St, Catherine’s School in Richmond, Virginia on literary tours of England. We visited Stinsford, Dorchester, Brockhampton, Bere Regis, and Egdon Heath. What a joy to hear you play at Stinsford!

[@johnacton5417]

Sublime as ever Ben; who could not be moved by this most articulate presentation of one of Englands finest. Beautiful.

[@JonathanRWilliams]

Well said John. Spot on!👏

[@peterwilton9047]

Ben, I hope you realize that the riverside path you were following is the route taken by the carollers in Under the Greenwood Tree, after having sung to Fancy Day and Farmer Shiner, to the vicarage to sing to Parson Maybold?

[@barriesmith3489]

Thank you Ben and Billy this was really enjoyable to listen to Billy your technical advisor I hope he didn’t charge to much for his service s

[@JamesSmith-iq2ll]

Thanks Ben, enjoyed this and it brought back fond memories of our own visit to St Micheal’s last year. We managed to attend Evensong and a celebration for the retired Church Organist. The congregation were so kind and welcoming towards us, and there was so much cake!😊

[@irenastansby5861]

How wonderful to see the birth place of Thomas Hardy, my favourite writer. The church looked beautifully decorated for harvest. Half an hour of pure joy, relaxation and great appreciation.

[@charlesmeadows1850]

30 minutes of beauty

[@KenG557]

Yay! You brought Billy along. 👍

[@indiana600610]

Too bad Billy forgot his guitar! I was sure there was a duet coming. Still an amazing video though 😊!

[@mattnbin]

Is Billy his brother? They look alike.

[@KenG557]

@@mattnbin Yes, and he plays classical guitar beautifully.

[@raymondo162]

all is safely gathered in, e'er the winter storms begin......... another top tune and another excellent video. i really like that the sharps and flats keys are left natural, dark wood - simple elegance.

[@kesmarn]

It's always so good to see you here, Ray! The supplier of the awesome harmonium.

[@MargaretGeorgemgse]

Getting such accuracy in the audio must be both expensive and involve a lot of trial and time. Thank you for the effort you go to. It is greatly appreciated.

[@11sesquialtera]

just love the tour of this marvelous churches. You are a beauty, as well. So many thanks, Rob

[@joantennant5579]

Thank you en again for another wonderful church with such great stained glass windows and to hear your stories about Thomas hardy and the great 😊 harvest him again this week it was lovely 😮to see billy again I look forward to to Sunday evenings when I can hear your lovely playing the different organs in so many wonderful countryside churches 👵🏻🙏xx

[@anglicanman1]

Hello Ben, thank you for your enjoyable videos of smaller Village churches in Wiltshire. I have actually visited St Martins, Salisbury in 1976 while on a singing tour of Salisbury Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral, and Tewkesbury Abbey. We were a visiting choir replacing Cathedral choirs. I have sent you financial support so you'll hopefully take us on more journeys to experience these 'hidden gems'. I'm a Church Nerd and lover of organ music!

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Thank you so much, glad to have you along!

[@p3t1954]

Made my Sunday a whole lot brighter. Many thanks Ben and every blessing

[@susansalter7543]

Nice to see Billy again and yourself of course!

[@larryvilledude9415]

Ben as a Patreon member one of the things that truly draws me to you is your reading of poetry. your expression is impressive and a wonderful addition to your historical discussions and your organ playing. Thank you so much!

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Thank you. You’ve reminded me- I wanted to include the reading of ‘If’ on Patreon this week!

[@KenG557]

Greetings Ben. Last Sunday I was in the middle of a 5 day power outage from Hurricane Helene here in Virginia. Thank you for your fascinating videos. 🙏

[@kareneshelman4702]

Hello Virginia, from South Carolina - we just had power restored yesterday, on day eleven after Helene.

[@KenG557]

@@kareneshelman4702 Wow 🙏

[@garya4997]

Bravo, a really magnificent segment. The historical background is as interesting as the music. I have been to Hardy's birth cottage but not the church. My great-great-grandmother was born 1839 in the next village Puddletown and family lore is that the two families knew each other and she had met the young Thomas growing up. The pathway to the church puts into perspective the era that he grew up in, before the railways, when most people walked everywhere, in any weather, and seldom went more than 20 miles from where they were born. Always look forward to your next adventure Ben. P.S. On the second time viewing, I realized that Billie is playing the guitar intro. Very nice!

[@loriellison3723]

Beautifully moving episode...

[@chaelwest]

Thank You Ben. This has been a truly enlightening experience. I did not know many biographical details of Thomas Hardy's life--but you have given us such a detailed account of the things that meant so much to him as a person, an author, and a family member. Family is important. To be able to vicariously touch what he touched makes this a 3D spiritual encounter. The church is beautifully expressive and has its own colorful flavor. The music is so appropriate for the organ, the organist, and the listeners. 'Come We Thankful People Come' sets the tone for the wonders of a fruitful harvest. This piece transcends our time and is one of my favorite of all the Thanksgiving/Harvest songs. All the music was wonderfully executed. To do justice to this production would be to write a book of which you would be the contributing author. Thanks again. Char

[@angelasmith8721]

Superb!

[@MichaelCWBell]

I LOVE Hardy’s novels. The Woodlanders, The Mayor of Casterbridge. I am not of that pedigree to know his poems but I find that once you are in step with his literary flow, it is like being with a beautiful art in motion. Surely Tess was an artistic outlet of the feelings Martha Brown’s execution had on the young writer. Thank you Ben for this video. I’m jealous you are able to visit such places (I did get to the Brontë’s Haworth which is one of the fondest visits of my life).

[@alyswilliams9571]

Who could read Hardy's novels and poetry and not be moved to tears? I cried for Jude, for Tess, for Giles Winterborn in The Woodlanders and for Hardy's neglected, although once much loved first wife, Emma. He is one of my most admired literary heroes whose writing about the countryside and the natural world - in my opinion - is second only to that of Henry Williamson.

[@barryoakley8299]

Probably the best of the many excellent presentations you have made, Ben. And what a wonderful focus on Thomas Hardy, one of England's greatest authors and my favourite. Thank you.

[@MusicaAngela]

What beautiful sounds from the organ.

[@sherriepalmer7089]

That was so relaxing to watch. Thanks, Ben. Beautifully playing, filming and editing.

[@chrishall62]

Interesting video - I have been to Hardy's birthplace and Stinsford Church several times. Also interesting to see St Pancras Old Church. I visited it in Summer 2022 before the "Hardy Tree" fell down. My great-great-grandparents were married in that church in 1872, a few years after Hardy was involved in moving the gravestones.

[@kitkom1600]

Thanks!

[@klondikechris]

18 kilometers from where I come from, but a world away from where I live now! Beautiful music, beautiful church, beautiful countryside.

[@vsts2004]

Wonderful and quintessentially Hardy’s Mellstock, thank you. I understand a great many church west galleries, with their (probably) untamed players and choirs disappeared in Victorian times, the local resistance to which is brought out in ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’.

[@patrickharris5903]

well done and thanks.

[@robertmdaniels]

Poetry, music, history, architecture, stunning views! Great content!

[@PortsladeBySea]

Totally agree 👍

[@lindakinzer6698]

Got home from church a bit earlier and was so glad to be able to sit and watch this lovely, musical video! The story of Thomas Hardy and St. Pancaras Church graveyard was fascinating! It was so nice to see Billy at the beautiful St. Michael’s Church. This was a wonderful video. Thank you, Ben.

[@PortsladeBySea]

It’s dreadful that Thomas Hardy was not buried as he had so wished. The ‘Dead March’ from Saul was also performed at the funeral of George Washington, Winston Churchill and during the journey of Abraham Lincoln’s body, following his assassination 🛐⚰️🎹🎶

[@ruthleger8594]

Very interesting, Ben. Thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful story with us. Looking forward to the next one. ❤

[@mirandarudzki]

Thank you for a wonderfully inspiring episode, one of my favourites so far. It is fascinating to be able to explore Southern England through your videos, as it is so different here in the North. Oh, how I long to visit St Pancras! You have inspired me to read a Thomas Hardy novel this Autumn and rewatch some of my favourite screen adaptations.

[@tikkathreebarrels]

Thank you for playing Saul Dead March: up and down this country are many men, kindred souls, for whom this music has an almost magical significance: it is always moving as Handel intended.

[@dafadowndilly8919]

I love it when you include local history. Thank you for an excellent vlog.

[@roysrants147]

Thank you! ❤

[@BigTomE12]

Thanks once again for a great video!! I loved the harvest hymn-it took me back my childhood when we would sing this near the American Thanksgiving holiday. I’ve visited the UK and seen Thomas Hardy’s plaque in Westminster Abbey (little did I know his heart was in another place) It was amazing to walk with you down the paths he took and to see the church of his childhood. What a great way to end with the march from Handel’s Saul. Beautiful playing and video story telling. By the way, my next trip to England must include a private driver to visit these beautiful churches you have shared with us. Thanks again for another great Sunday presentation.

[@johnbowman7389]

Yet another lovely video Ben. Enjoy watching your videos every week, this week its on the Tuesday as we've been up to Scotland for a few days visiting family. Keep up the great work, you've created a wonderful channel.!!

[@richardholappajr.6184]

Love the history and music! Thank you!

[@mikesoule1352]

Those stained glass windows are the most colorful and incredible windows of any you've shown us, so far. The countryside is so beautiful, and so "English". Thanks for showing us. Here in Oregon(USA), of course, we don't have any buildings with that history. I was a little horrified to learn what was done with Mr. Hardy's remains, and his wishes were not respected. Horrible, to mutilate his body that way! Saul's "Dead March" was fitting!!! "All is safely gathered in Ere the winter's storms begin..." 🎶🎵🎶

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

I love the whole atmosphere. The organ is lovely. I played a similar chamber organ, but that one had a hanging pedal board.

[@ianminty5690]

Thanks

[@marie-annecody83]

Thanks for a great episode xx

[@LCannon78]

Thank you and God Bless you. Wow are the key’s wooden? Wonder how that feels? ❤

[@williamschafferjr9091]

Once again. You are marvelous. Thank you so.

[@Russellbristow]

Another wonderful Film, you really do have the rare skill of clearly detailing both history in an easy listening format! One piece of advice, and it relates to caravanning! When arriving at a new site don’t tell fellow campers that you could get your small organ out! It could lead to a difficult miss-understanding!

[@ESKU0905]

Many thanks Ben. Again.

[@cloviarice1593]

Thank you so much. Very enjoyable❤

[@progressiveguy2007]

You are a gifted teacher.

[@PortsladeBySea]

Ben is a gifted human being ❤🛐🎹🎶

[@kitkom1600]

So inspiring, so very well done, many thanks to you. I look forward to your fine works.

[@daveschmarder-1950]

Opening a biscuit tin will never be the same for me again. :)

[@bcoxal]

Excellent

[@hisbothy]

Sublime! ❤️🎶🙏🏽

[@aceairstream]

I’ve just come across on YT a rather lovely choral setting by Stephen Paulus of this poem by Della B Vik, which seems to sum up your channel perfectly! The Old Church Text: Della B. Vik The old church leans nearby a well-worn road, Upon a hill that has no grass or tree, The winds from off the prairie now unload The dust they bring around it itfully. The path that leads up to the open door Is worn and grayed by many toiling feet Of us who listen to the Bible lore And once again the old-time hymns repeat. And ev’ry Sabbath morning we are still Returning to the altar waiting there. A hush, a pray’r, a pause, and voices fill The Master’s House with a triumphant air. The old church leans awry and looks quite odd, But it is beautiful to us and God.

[@carolingimundson1392]

just love your videos Thank you somuch

[@nancyfalciani5499]

Thank you, Ben, for this heartfelt program into which you put so much thought and care. It is such a beautiful church with a beautiful history made even more poignant by the way you have presented it. This episode is truly a treasure!

[@bindatek8801]

Excellent video Ben! We are now all enlightened to the life of Thomas Hardy, (your hero), and the great Hardy Country, enjoyed by him and yourselves. The church with its "light organ" was an absolute pleasure to listen to, made possible by your usual skills. The caravan is looking most comfortable, and I am sure you will appreciate it's uses to the full. It does you give you chance to grab those lovely local shots too, to enhance your videos. Thanks Ben, we look forward to the next one!! John

[@philiphumphrey1548]

An organ with only 4 stops, one keyboard and no pedals. For a simple soul like me that's perfect it's my kind of organ!

[@lindageorge8209]

Let's hope lots of young people take up camping! And let's hope that they learn to get along with their neighbours and be responsible citizens and look after their beautiful country! And also let's hope they learn to get along with their Elders because their Elders have got a lot to teach them. But... Oh no! The Hardy Tree died! That's so sad!

[@telemachus53]

What a beautiful film. So well made and played. The story of one of England's great novelists is so movingly told by you. (It might be a good idea for the church to ask the builder of the organ to check on the odd keys here and there.)

[@mungmungie]

One clue to Hardy's thinking might have been his association with Old St. Pancras church. My 3rd great grandparents were married there, and my 2nd great grandfather was baptised there. It is very likely that there are several family members represented in the headstones around the Hardy tree. The odd thing is that most of my family were non-conformists. That suggests that Old St. Pancras was a place where there was either sympathy for or tolerance for people who thought or believed differently. That might have rubbed off on Hardy to some extent.

[@2Hearts3]

Ah, Dorset, lovely land of "Goodbye, Mr Chips" (James Hilton) and "Far from the Madding Crowd" (Thomas Hardy), two of my favorites. If you haven't seen it yet, watch the movie, "Goodbye, Mr Chips," filmed on location in Dorset in 1969, starring Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark, for beautiful views of Dorset. Beautiful story and film making, and beautiful musical score by Leslie Bricusse, orchestrated by a young John Williams.

[@bethhill6651]

What a lovely touch you have. You are to be praised and your organ teachers thanked. Started the day with music from the great & mighty organ at LDS tabernacle and a perfect sweet and gentle Angelus with you. God love and keep you Ben Maton. You put beauty into the world.

[@alsowentmyth]

What a handsome keyboard on that instrument.

[@davidwilliams8405]

Nicely done Ben. That little church is so typical of the English countryside, I marvel that there are still people who take care of such little gems, especially with so many of them no longer functioning as consecrated houses of worship. I must say the headstones in that graveyard look to be in good shape, all standing upright with hardly a sign of moss growing on them. I must say that you have really found your KZbin niche, good on you! As always, I look forward to your next insightful broadcast. Cheers, dude!

[@staffie1uk]

Very interesting - thank you! PS - I too cried when I reached the end of Jude the Obscure.

[@jillhertzog6365]

I love it Ben

[@PortsladeBySea]

Me too 👍

[@zonabrown9241]

❤great to see the English flag flying

[@iracema1]

St. Michael's...house brand of Marks and Spencer? There must be some type of connection! Lol!

[@richardrye7200]

Thank you for the amazing, informative video, music, and readings!

[@mattleach958]

Thank you Ben and Billy as always. The rest of what I wanted to say has already been said in the other comments. One question though: Did a cat actually eat Thomas Hardy's heart? If so, that's how I want to go. 🎹😻

[@jilliemc]

What? No pedal board? An organ made for a pianist, surely! ;) I imagine your feet were restless the whole time.

[@Hashbrownsandsausages]

What piece was that in the background at 13:17 ?

[@Carl-x8y3c]

Has anyone told you Ben that you look like a young Paul Mc Cartney of the Beatles fame ?

[@noelbolingbroke-kent3009]

In 1928 Thomas Hardy, despite being world famous, didn’t know about the cat eating his heart. Hardy’s heart was removed from his body and buried with the cat, in a biscuit tin, in a wooden box in Stinsford churchyard. Hardy himself would surely have wanted to write about ‘all is safely gathered in’.

[@alyswilliams9571]

It's not true that a cat ate Hardy's heart.

[@Floortile]

I recently re-read Somerset Maugham’s ‘Cakes and Ale’ - the lead character, Edward Driffield, was widely supposed to be based on Thomas Hardy, though Maugham denied this. Still, if you haven’t read the book it is well worth doing so, despite the style being somewhat dated now.

[@lizwilliams14]

I am reading Thomas Hardy by Claire Tomalin. It was good at the beginning but she hardly mentions Bockhampton or Stinsford. Talks a lot about London and his wife and how she aspired to be an author. I’ll keep on and see how it goes . I’m up to page 431.😊