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Traditionally, in keeping with the reverence and solemnity of the Anglican service,
as well as enhancing the visual serenityof the occasion, choristers have worn
liturgical robes designed for the role of singing in a choir.
At the end of their first choir practice out comes the tape measure and the new recruits
are 'measured up' for their robes.
Cassocks and ruffs are ordered from a specialist liturgical robes manufacturer, and approximately
two weeks later the garments are delivered. Surplices are hand-tailored by Mrs Sheila Whitworth,
one of our choristers.
At Saint Aidan's the choristers wear green cassocks and a white surplices,
the ladies and children wear ruffs also.
The current set of robes are actually different from the original version worn by choristers.
From the date of the choirs' formation until the middle of the 1990's the choirs' cassocks were blue.
As can be seen on some of the old B&W photographs in the church archives,
the ladies of the choir wore black mortar boards.
This practice was discontinued in the 1970's.
CASSOCK...A long garment worn by some Christian clergy and members of church choirs
The origin of the word is Italian ‘cassaca’ which translates as ‘riding coat’.
The garment covers the neck and goes down to the top of the feet.
SURPLICE...A loose white linen robe worn over a cassock by clergy and choristers at church services
The origin is old French ‘sourpelis’ which derives from two Latin words: ‘super’
meaning “above” and ‘pellicia’which means “fur garment”.
RUFF...A projecting starched frill worn round the neck. Visually emphasises the lower head and neck.
The origin is unknown
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