'WE PLOUGH THE FIELDS AND SCATTER' | My Tribute to a Dorset Village

[@noelbolingbroke-kent3009]

When Shapwick Church was first built, who could imagine that a thousand years later, a superb young organist would arrive in a motor car with collapsible caravan, camera and iPad and film himself on an electrified pipe organ, playing heavenly music by Bach, Alexandre Guilmant and Maurice Greene? God in his Heaven must surely be delighted.

[@jennyharvey1074]

Stunningly Beautiful...thank you.

[@bobbyhendley3084]

@@noelbolingbroke-kent3009 no doubt!

[@Rollinglenn]

Greetings Ben from a retired church organist in Greenwood Lake, New York USA! Thank you for that program, the scenery, and especially the organ music. You have a great sensitivity for playing these smaller pipe organs. I love hearing their simple pure tones. Every stop is unique and vitally important. Your selections fit that organ beautifully. We have so few such pipe organs in my area which is a mere 35 miles northwest of New York City. So many of our churches have chosen to opt for either electronic organs or praise bands. I imagine those praise bands are closer to the Thomas Hardy ideal of villagers coming together with their various talents, 'though highly amplified! I believe it is our great loss not to hear the wind as it sings through the pipes. It felt more "human" and alive than any electronic noise box. Thank you for sharing these churches and organs with us. Although close to the city, we are in an area with dairy farmland. It is not as peacefully historic as your Dorset village. Our village was settled by a lake which reminded early English settlers of your Lake Windermere. In fact, we have no "Main Street". Ours is called Windermere Avenue in honor of its sister across the pond. Thanks again for these programs. I hope you and your caravan have many fruitful miles together.

[@PortsladeBySea]

Lovely comment. My wife and I love visiting the Lake District and it’s many beautiful ancient churches and chapels 🇬🇧🌄🌊

[@LawrenceFell-h3n]

❤❤

[@bobbyhendley3084]

@@Rollinglenn that caravan is one of the best things he’s gotten to date! This is going to so vastly expand his own experiences of these treasured places as well as what he can produce for us.

[@jeffreysharp8526]

A cheese & pickle sandwich? What kind of bread? What kind of cheese? What kind of pickle. Here in Texas, we would throw in a jalapeno to liven it up. Thanks for your excellent work. Love hearing your videos.

[@Outdoors49Man]

I'm a priest in the Episcopal Church, now retired. When you play hymn tunes, I can't help but have lyrics flow through my mind. How fitting that your last scenes showed "soft, refreshing rain." Indeed, "all good gifts around us are sent from heaven above!"

[@elizabethlarose3632]

When I recognize a song, the words just flow …the music is so beautiful

[@sabin615]

Wonderful, Ben! Great video! I had the notification turned on, and then, just before your video began, I received a call from a dear family member three hours away who is caring for a spouse with Parkinson's debilitations. So I heard your program begin in the distance of another room in my house and had to mute it for the sake of giving my full attention to my family member. When our call ended, I returned to my laptop to watch this video from Shapwick, Dorset. I got no further than your parking the caravan when my sister-in-law called, taking a break from cleaning up after flooding from hurricane rains and power outages. When that conversation ended, I was bushed, and I sat in my recliner for a nap, but had just fallen asleep when my 93-year-old partner of 38 years called out. He has been on end-of-life hospice care for more than a year, unable to move from his bed or eat solid food or read or watch TV and often does not recognize me or his sister. Or he remembers me but not who we are to each other. Or he remembers his sister as she was in the 1960s, not as the octogenarian she now is. He usually no longer remembers that he had a career as a university professor or any of the major events of our life together nor our international travels and our genealogy trips to Texas. He doesn't know where he is. I went in to his room to care for him, a process that took even longer than usual this time. I restarted the video and could watch it through this time. What a balm! And as soon as it was finished, my partner called out again. When I got back to my laptop, I watched your video once more from the top. I am so grateful for your videos and your playing as you accompany me through this day and others like it in this sometimes too human life. (It gives me joy to support you on Patreon and occasionally something more on PayPal.) Blessings to you!

[@joer5627]

If it is ok, may I add both of you to my daily prayer list?

[@sabin615]

​@@joer5627I wrote my comment to contextualize my appreciation for this video, not to seek anything for myself. But prayers would be good. Thank you.

[@kesmarn]

Long ago my mother used to say: "In this world, there are the givers and the takers." (Granted, a possible oversimplification!) You are most definitely a giver. The world could use a lot more of you. Blessings.

[@STANLIZ4]

We visit the churches following your films, they are so much more interesting with the benefit of your introduction,

[@sethdietrich4648]

What a splendid idea! I wish I had thought of it. More to the point, I wish I could actually do it, but alas that isn't possible.

[@bobbyhendley3084]

@@STANLIZ4 I envy you!

[@davidwelch6796]

Like so many people my brain is conditioned to recall the words of 'We plough the fields...' whenever I hear the music. When the hymn is over I then always want to hear 'Hills of the north rejoice' which is another of my favourites. Thank you for another superbly produced, enjoyable and informative video. Now it is down to us, your viewers, to try to help swell your subscription numbers by telling our friends about your channel.

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

I, too, share Ben's videos with friends...we are most of us in our 80s now...and often share the reaction of tears and fond recollections of memories of decades ago ...departed loved ones, life's events celebrated in chapels and small churches. Ben masterfully transports us, bless him.😊

[@alyswilliams9571]

Utterly delightful, what a lovely way to end my Sunday. Thank you Ben and God bless you.

[@djbryce]

Enjoy that cheese and pickle sandwich my friend! Thanks as always for bringing my weekend to a glorious close with your beautiful music.

[@davejacques4226]

Thank you, Ben! I was on my way to work this Sunday afternoon, thoroughly depressed. Then this latest video of yours popped up on KZbin. I clicked to watch, and what do you knoW? My depression was greatly eased upon watching the latest Ben Maton adventure. Thank you again, our musical friend! Dave Jacques Clinton, Michigan USA🇺🇸

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Now, I’m very humbled and flattered that it’s helped you! Thanks for tuning in and see you again soon :)

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

​@SalisburyOrganist Hi, Ben...I am old 😊 and technologically challenged...working at sending you a little extra 100.00 US above my usual patreon amount. I will keep trying to figure this out. Thinking of you. Meanwhile.😊

[@DeniseMorphy]

Organist here in Canandaigua, NY USA watching. Thank you Ben.

[@dianeforti8696]

And watching with pleasure from Windham, NY, in the beautiful Catskill Mountains.

[@gregcrease8066]

😅Perhaps my favourite hymn of all times. I love the power of the low unison section and the extended length of the piece. The Bach was truly magnificent. That little organ has a mighty heart!

[@sarahstrupinski6863]

Snap, I was in Dorset too last week when I visited the beautiful Netherbury church. I thought of you when I visually inspected its organ. Funny I too had a petrifying cow experience. The sound of their stampede has never left me! Thank you for another excellent video.

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

Whilst we are on the topic of perils in the barn yard...I was bitten in my left butt cheek by my pony when I was a boy. At 80 years young I still have the scar.😊😊

[@clarencehershberger2058]

I am very blessed by this video today! Thank you, brother! I especially like the last hymn.

[@anon-u3m]

Thank you Ben. My sons were confirmed in this church. I knew it was old, but I didn't realise quite how old!

[@marshaprice8226]

Thanks so much, Ben, for another wonderful video with beautiful scenery, a stunning ancient church, and an old organ that you make sing with gorgeous, inspiring music! Blessings!

[@broyahya]

Watching in Patara, Turkey on holiday. Can’t miss my weekly organ dose!

[@6west7r]

thank you from Mays Landing N.J. USA a fellow Englishmen family dated 1620

[@willg1604]

The Bach is well adapted for this instrument! Bravo!

[@bryanmoseley7028]

Thanks for another great recommendation - the Guilmant Magnificat will make an excellent voluntary.

[@thewhitewolfthewhitewolf]

There is nothing quite as charming as hearing mechanical noise from a great 👍 old instrument. Love it.

[@stroganoff2917]

You are so great thank you

[@dudleydiehl6850]

Thanks! Your adventures are something I have dreamed of doing for years. To tour all about and try and celebrate the personality of so many instruments. At least watching your tours brings the very personal feel of each experience.. These instruments are gift from generations of faithful people. But you, too, are a true gift to all of us who get to enjoy your dedication, musical skill and sense of adventure.

[@SalisburyOrganist]

That’s so kind Dudley. Thanks for your support 😀

[@andypatrick1413]

Bot I do I love these videos' all the details about the instruments, the history of the church, and discussion of latin root of words, fabulous, I love it

[@PhilomenaNesci]

Congratulations Ben on obtaining your new camper! You have given me an entirely new persepective of cows. I am amazed that so many churches in your country are left unlocked and available for visitors to enter at any time. While some churches where I live operate in that fashion, the majority do not. But why not let them be open, considering that the church is meant to be a sanctuary? What a beautiful church you visited! I have been wondering as I watch you play many pipe organs which run on airflow: are all of these old-fashioned organs connected to electronically operated bellows nowadays? With my limited knowledge I don't know if there would be another way to pump air into an organ, other than a person manually operating the bellows. It is astounding and wonderful, if so, that so many churches have gone through the expense to get such modifications done to keep musicians playing these beautiful instruments! Exquisite playing as always; "We Plough the Fields and Scatter" is certainly one of the most beautiful hymns I have heard to be sung in the autumn. So thrilled to hear you play it!

[@lindageorge8209]

I remember coming into the church on Sunday morning and realising that somebody had slept their overnight sometime through the week and had left the bar heaters on. That meant a hefty electricity bill. The key used to be broken off in the lock, but that is now been replaced. Also, there was no real toilet, except a hole in the ground which I had to use when I was pregnant...

[@b-rphotos4687]

Ben another fine evening listening to you and seeing your video. I have found it amazing how you are able to incorporate the mechanical sounds of these organs right into the music. It seems to be a part of the music! Thank you for blessing this Ben from the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee 😊

[@rwiddico]

Thanks!

[@SalisburyOrganist]

I’m very flattered, and grateful. Thank you

[@excession3076]

Hi Ben, So this week on my homepage, a video popped up from Salisbury Cathedral of a performance of Holst, The Planets-Out of Darkness. And because of your videos, eventhough I have listened to the organ in the Cathedral many times, I kind of now understood how wonderful and important that organ is. So thank you for educating me (and all of us viewers). And maybe the algorythm sent it my way because of watching your videos? Anyway, it was amazing and I would recommend any of your viewers checking it out. I'd love to see you playing in the Cathedral. Can we start a petition? You visit all the churches around me and I love what you are doing. But Salisbury Cathedral is special, it's the inspiration for so much and the people round here. So seeing you playing there would be wonderful.

[@bobbyhendley3084]

@@excession3076 I watched that too as soon as it posted. I know Richard McVeigh was there because he’d said he was going to be assisting in the recording of it.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

What a beautiful little Organ that was. Thank you for making these videos, and I'm so glad you can now travel further afield, with the aid of your fantastic Caravan. Well done with all you do. Take care 🙂

[@АНИ-б4ь]

Dear, Ben, you really made my evening with the English humor!!

[@BigTomE12]

Thanks as always for your videos. I loved the ending as you drove away with your Caravan in tow with the rain beginning to come down.

[@lindageorge8209]

Welcome back! I hope you had a good holiday. We in Australia say always take your new caravan about an hour's drive away for your first trip. That way you're not half way around Australia before you realise what you've forgotten. Nothing like getting two hours up the road and your wife (me) realising that you're going inland and winter and you've forgotten a wRm blanket! Never mind... while we were shopping for a nice soft comfy mink style blanket, hubby bought a plug-in electric heater for when we've got electricity so that we don't need a noisy heat pump on at night. Because if it's -3 degrees at Orange, you don't want to be woken up by the heater defrosting itself every half hour! And I far prefer it to the gas heater, not that we haven't got proper ventilation! And it's a bar heater dressed up to look like one of your hot water heaters so it's nice and safe. I do not recommend taking anything old or anything with a 1000 watt power usage!

[@EmmaGaylard]

A classic harvest hymn at the end, brings back memories of when I went to church

[@tomarmstrong1281]

I believe Ben is doing invaluable work, and the comments indicate that his efforts are appreciated. As a retired person, the amount I can offer to support his work is limited, but I hope he is sufficiently funded to continue making these delightful videos.

[@RobertCaley-h5i]

Me too...I will send him a little bonus of 100.00 this month ...every little bit helps as most of us retirees well know.😊

[@tomarmstrong1281]

@@RobertCaley-h5i I'm sure he will appreciate that.

[@christinawatkinsyoutube]

I too am so thankful that churches in England tend to be open most days. I feel the same, all cares fall away when I enter the churchyard

[@midgerhys5627]

What gloriously colourful kneelers!Someone is very skillful at embroidery at that church. I think that encouraging the congregation to kneel at the appropriate points gives for much greater reverence during the liturgy.

[@lindakinzer6698]

I thought that the kneelers were such a beautiful addition to the sanctuary. So many lovely things to observe in these videos!

[@PeterMigliorini-x4o]

How I appreciate the musical tutorial offered along with the joyful sounds for inspirational entertainment. Just a wonderful way to spend some time for personal reflection on a Sunday afternoon! Thank you for sharing.

[@paulhall170]

See, in a world of 'slam bang, thank you ma'am' entertainment, this shouldn't be interesting; too slow-paced, too undramatic. But it's precisely because of what it ISN'T that it draws you in and captivates you! I watch all your videos right through, revelling in every languid, elegantly-paced travelogue-cum-organ recital you produce for us. Here in Australia we get you first thing Monday morning, and I look forward to every Monday morning for that reason. Thank you for the effort and dedication and knowledge you bring to your channel, Ben, God bless you.

[@colinnaylor7915]

Suburb program thank you so much. It’s always wise to respect cows !!

[@unnestenlund6281]

Thank you Ben! .What you are doing is so precious..always looking forward to your videos.Will support.❤

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Thank you :)

[@Richard.Holmquist]

Thank you; that was wonderful.

[@JaredDLarsen]

Spent several days earlier in the month (Sept. 2024) visiting village churches in Dorset and Wiltshire in my first ever visit to the UK from the USA. I even dared to tinker on the organ a time or two (I can play hymns on the piano, but have no formal organ training). This was all inspired by viewing this channel for nearly year. Your uploads are appointment viewing for me and I can't wait to get back to the UK and continue visiting these precious village churches.

[@lynettecheesman6759]

Well done, loved the walk from your campsite to the church with the bicycles, cows, workmen with your wonderful commentary. Great music with We plough the Fields and Scatter to end, very Harvesty. Thanks. By the way cows are dangerous, and you have to be careful with a field of cows

[@Floortile]

Years ago, before our organ was restored, a professional organist (the nephew of one of the congregation) came to play; there was a load crack as the pedal board collapsed and the organ started to cipher dramatically. The young man jumped up, appalled, as our regular lady organist rushed over to see what was happening. He apologised profusely for breaking her beloved instrument. Putting a motherly arm around his shoulder she said “don’t worry, dear, I never use the foot pedals - I don’t know how to.” A pile of hymn books stuffed under the broken pedals lifted them up, the ciphering stopped and the service continued.

[@kesmarn]

What a great anecdote! Thanks!

[@Floortile]

@@kesmarnpleasure!

[@lindageorge8209]

We lived on a sheep farm which had a few cows and we raised a few steers. This was in New Zealand and therefore it was very hilly. There was a bit of top dressing going on and the steers we're in a paddock right next to the airstrip on the side of a hill. We were working on a Ridge just past the airstrip. Now a top dressing plane can land on the side of a hill with no sound at all, but needs everything it's got to take off when fully loaded. Meaning that it's wheels were about waist height as it came across the ridge we were on. Finally the steers had had enough, and as we were driving back in an old Land Cruiser, and the top dresser was taking off again, the steers just burst through the lower fence as if the posts were matchsticks. I was in the Land Cruiser, the top dresser went straight over the top of us and it was as loud as anything, but I was more concerned about my husband who was going back on a motorbike. Those panicked sterrs could have killed him in a Stampede.

[@musicalsam1]

Awesome!

[@barbarahague6843]

Ben ,good to see you towing your home behind you. Looks really good.💝🥰🦘🦘

[@janetschneider3462]

Hullo Ben from the USA. Was born and raised in Preston,Dorset. The Norman church in Preston, would be a great place fir you to visit if you have time, 😊

[@SalisburyOrganist]

Fabulous idea. Billy and I are in Dorset again this week!

[@stevewynn2517]

What a wonderful Sunday afternoon visit to your channel, Ben.

[@rickcivalier3605]

Delightful video! We plow the fields and scatter is a favorite hymn of mine. That organ has some great qualities.

[@NoelCampbell-e2l]

Warmest greetings from Ireland Ben, as always.🇮🇪☘️ Another helping of beautiful rural England, history, village, and above all, the church with its intact and nicely sounding organ. Your caravan looks so cosy! I could also almost smell the rashers cooking.😛

[@carolingimundson1392]

Thank you Ben for your wonderful music & taking us on tours of all the lovely churches👏

[@RosieWood78]

A great start to my Monday morning in New Zealand. ❤❤❤

[@JudyOdlin]

I agree. I am listening in Levin.

[@RosieWood78]

@@JudyOdlin me too!

[@barriesmith3489]

Men and women down through the century’s have given us wonderful word and music to bring joy and peace to the souls of church members but also to just the man and women that need the love and peace of God Jesus Christ has given us his love in music I love the tunes in the lower key We are.so fortunate that the Jews gave us this faith

[@michaelpenyard7129]

The sign in the porch is interesting, Ben - it records one of the outcomes of the restoration work completed in 1879 - 145 years ago - that Free Seating should from then on be provided "According to the Law". Since Jacobean times it had been possible to reserve the best seats, or a box pew, by payment of a fee. A nice earner for the rector - or even just a vicar.

[@pkjmfineart1593]

Wow what a wonderful experience. Thank you for taking us along Ben. 😊

[@Rl469]

I am really enjoying the Guilmant and the Open Diapason, which is quite colorful. I play a rather eclectic 54 rank organ in a Quaker meetinghouse, but none of our “principals” have such color. I liked the Bach also. OOOO, and the flute stop! Thanks for the music. You always give me ideas. PS: Ben, I think you are a picture of rural charm. Cheers!

[@susansalter7543]

Missed you last week, Ben.

[@SalisburyOrganist]

I missed being here too!!

[@dianawright6285]

Lovely video and the church was so charming. Thank you. Di Wright Zimbabwe

[@lindageorge8209]

I love that you can see all the smaller pipes behind the large ones. Our organ in New Zealand had 330 pipes, but they were all hidden behind the big ones. I'd love to have been able to see them all. When we did senior citizen services, we all sat in front of the organ. I only did that once! Too loud!

[@MaxxMaximum]

Thank you Ben. Another brilliant episode. Maxx in Buffalo New York USA😊

[@gaze505]

I don’t have language to express what I feel, but I don’t just hear or see one thing, but experience the whole event. Thank you, Ben. You are not alone.

[@colleenbarton747]

Couldn't resist having the cheese and pickle sarnie eaten in my honour! Just make sure it's sourdough bread though- for lasting health! Cheers!

[@MichaelCWBell]

Loved the Greene voluntary especially but all the well-selected repertoire, thank you. “All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above.”

[@jonboz7585]

Glad to make a monthly donation to support your organ excursions. I'm a 78 y/o organist who was thinking of getting a popup camper here in the USA. You've inspired me In both areas, so a double thank you.

[@theloudtenor]

Many a thank you from St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal church in Poway, California for the delightful program!

[@teresahill6356]

Thank you Ben ❤

[@zimbelstern62]

The flute stop was beautiful!

[@claymccleery9451]

What a beautiful sounding organ!

[@alancordwell9759]

Funny you should mention 'Thou visitest the earth':, the church choir I sing bass with are working on it for our harvest service. It's a lovely piece, we do it almost every year. Best wishes Ben and thanks for such a refreshing and inspiring channel!

[@joantennant5579]

Great to see you again and another wonderful video 😊 what a lovely church in Dorset this week and you playing my favourite harvest hymn take care ❤

[@francoisebekaert8137]

That little collapsible caravan of yours is really cute 🎶👍😊and what a brilliant idea you had 👏⛪

[@bobbyhendley3084]

Gorgeous church building!!

[@jifgc]

The map really helps Ben. ❤ your work.

[@billymeyer99]

I loved watching the low notes play themselves as you used the pedal board

[@pampotter4460]

I find th The mechanical sound charming too. I used to play bassoon and loved the clicks.

[@robertmdaniels]

Yes! Keeps getting better and better!

[@RobertJohnsonmusic]

Excellent selections for the organ, Ben. Your ventures to these marvelous churches are always engaging, especially to this old organist. Thank you for the work you do! 👏🏻👏🏻🎹

[@janbeaves-eg8ij]

Love the Organ being played like that it sounds so nice , regards jan

[@bobbyhendley3084]

3 minutes late to the game, but so glad I’m here. Looking forward to this Ben!

[@mirandarudzki]

Welcome back, I hope you had a pleasant rest. I enjoyed the music selection today, especially Bach. A lovely opening video to the Autumn season. I am looking forward to seeing the Autumn scenery, enhanced by your wonderful music selections. Take care & I hope there are fewer cows at your next location…or benevolent ones at least.

[@maryannehibbard5686]

Just tuned in - immediately wondering if your tune for "We Plough the Fields and Scatter" will be the tune by which I know it... Find it interesting, that for a number of hymns we have common, we use quite different tunes. Having a blessed Sunday afternoon with you all.

[@maryannehibbard5686]

Lol, cows, in general, may not be dangerous. They generally mean no harm. But they can weigh three quarters of a ton! (Grew up on a dairy farm)

[@Anagrams458]

I find the same thing but thus one was the one we, in NA know.

[@farahmohammed1963]

So idyllic!! Thank you Ben, for this fabulous video!! 💖

[@jamesv9221]

Brilliant Ben. My two favorite things about Sunday is going to church and then watching one of your videos on Sunday evening.

[@reeller1]

Thank you so much for this. Especially for the finale-- my favorite Thanksgiving hymn,!

[@11sesquialtera]

another fab vid. Thank you so much. This my Sunday evening treat. I just think you are such prize, Ben; bringing these village gems to attention is such an original idea that is bound to do have great results. Best, Rob Currier

[@andypatrick1413]

thank you for playing one of my all time favorite hymns

[@Ashley-uk4ld]

Goodness, what a beautiful church and filled with great music! Thenk you, Ben! 🙋‍♂

[@debcarroll8192]

Your videos are always a joy! Thank you for showing us this jewel of a church and sharing your music with us!

[@marylynnmazzocco5367]

Thank you.

[@FloridaClay]

A lovely experience as always Ben.

[@JonHoppmann]

Love the clatter of the third piece. It is rather unique to hear it. I look forward to your blogs and appreciate Al that you put into them! Have a cheese and pickle sandwich and a great week!

[@johnacton5417]

Another classic production Ben, beautifully crafted as always and a pleasure to meet you playing in St Mary's in Long Crichel in Dorset yesterday.

[@johngreenwood3802]

Thanks again Ben. Lovely church and you are quite right about cows!

[@bobbyhendley3084]

Though far older than you, I would have loved that run of cows as I’m as country boy myself from the cattle nation of Texas. I would have undoubtedly come out unscathed and with a lot of new four legged friends. lol

[@thewisceeeggg1624]

Amen! Thank you Ben!

[@hilarysmith2709]

Always love the harvest hymns

[@JH-qz3jj]

What a blessing to hear you play!

[@BernardDauphinais]

Thank you for this lovely trip and recital. I really love the sound of that organ.

[@NancyCassell]

Such a lovely way to end my Sunday afternoon! I enjoy my church's music each Sunday, but this is restful to the soul. Beautiful area and old village church. And many of us have been emotionally "marked" by frightening cow experiences! Beautiful music. Many thanks, Ben.

[@ab4805]

The sound is very good in your caravan. Right after, I saw your caravan for the first time, I started to look for one here in Canada, guess what? They are not sold here. I find the concept of it just fantastic.Thank you again for such a great production, music, pictures and presentation. It is very professional.

[@annenewton5403]

Ben that was wonderful , thank you .