If Carlsberg did parish libraries, they might look suspiciously like the English Library at St Paul’s Church last Saturday.
England v Ireland. Scotland v Wales. And, for the first official outing of our rather fabulous new projector and sound system, a congregation of rugby enthusiasts who briefly forgot they were indoors.
Let us begin with the technology. The screen was so gloriously vast that when the anthems rang out, several of us instinctively stood up straighter. At one point, as the forwards packed down, it genuinely felt as though we might be called upon to bind on the loosehead. The picture was razor-sharp, the sound thunderous but noble — one could hear every crunching tackle and every referee’s whistle with cathedral clarity.
In short: it was magnificent.
England v Ireland delivered all the drama one expects — courage, controversy, and the occasional moment requiring diplomatic silence in mixed company. Meanwhile, Scotland v Wales produced the usual cocktail of flair, fury, and that uniquely Celtic expression which says, “We absolutely meant to do that.”
As for refreshments, this week’s cheeky snack was a heroic bowl of Bombay mix — gloriously crunchy, faintly perilous, and entirely moreish. It was washed down in proper Six Nations fashion with Guinness (of course) and a civilised selection of red wine. Nothing says “international rugby” quite like balancing a plastic cup while debating the merits of a cross-field kick.
The true triumph, however, was the atmosphere. With the screen at full stretch and the sound system in full voice, the crowd felt as though we were in the game — minus the mud, the physio bills, and the need for an ice bath. Gasps, cheers, and the occasional scholarly analysis echoed through the library. It was rugby, but with bookshelves.
And we are only just getting started.
The next grand outing for our splendid new system will be 7th March, featuring:
• England v Italy
• Scotland v France
Cheeky snacks will once again be available.
Bring your own tipple — whether that be something dark and Irish, robust and French, or reassuringly English.
If the first evening was anything to go by, seats may not quite require ticketing — but arriving early would be the sporting move.
See you there. And remember: in this parish, we may turn the other cheek — but not on match day!
