A former choir boy made a nostalgic visit to Rosslyn Chapel today, 70 years after taking part in a broadcast to mark the quincentenary of the Chapel.
David Johnston, who now lives in Australia, read a lesson at the special service, which was broadcast by BBC in 1948. At that time, David was aged 8 and lived in the nearby village of Bilston. He was a pupil at Roslin Primary School and a member of the Chapel’s choir, which comprised around 12 singers, and took part in the two services each week.
David moved to Australia in 1953 but claims that this experience led to his long and successful broadcasting career, as a journalist and newsreader on Australia’s Channel 7 and Channel 10 News. He retired recently after 50 years’ service.
During his visit, David, who was accompanied by his partner Annie, returned to his former place at the lectern, where he had given the reading. He said that he was pleased to see that the Chapel is looking in such good condition and has lost the ‘musty smell’ which he still remembers from his time in the choir!