Comments on: The Gaiter Controversies

By: PamB

PamB — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:21:57 +0000

Speaking as one who has observed the Praepostorial wearing of gaiters, I am reminded of perhaps the most charismatic-with-a-small-c provost of the 20thC SEC, one Paddy Shannon of Aberdeen. He was responsible for the Pubsign, indeed known in the NE as Paddy’s Pubsign, the introduction of the Clergy Tartan, and the use of the Russian Orthodox Litany and Lord’s Prayer. His congregation thrived, as did the Cathedral’s music. He wore gaiters on every possible formal occasion, and looked splendid, even though his stocky Glaswegian appearance might best be represented in the film of his life by that of Layclerk (In a good way, Gaz, if you’re out there!)

I think it’s to do with Style, which is either worth displaying in Italian Vanity Fair, or not.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:27:32 +0000

Kelvin, good news!

An advertisement appeared on the left sidebar, for “Women’s Gaiters” from rockymountaintrail.com guaranteeing that their women’s gaiters, made from a waterproof polyester material, will keep snow out of women’s boots.

I had not realized that C of E — or Scotland — churches were so cold as to require defense against snow.

I’m back to thinking gaiters may be, at best, an appropriate outdoors defense against the elements but not a liturgical garment. Of course, I could be wrong.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:13:19 +0000

thank you, Kelvin, for the link.

But am still baffled.

It says that gaiters link to the breeches. I have never seen breeches except on the stage for Shakespeare plays and the BBC Horatio Hornblower DVDs. Who currently wears such a garment?

It also states that the purpose of gaiters is to protect the legs either from gorse & brambles or while horseback riding. I knew that the C of E was in some ways antiquarian, but surely they do not impose upon their vicars the requirement that they make their pastoral calls on horseback!

The more I read, the more it seems that gaiters should go the way of codpieces, fillets, corsets, and other items of apparel more appropriate for Monty Python routines than actual use.

I mean this in a good natured and friendly way, by the way, the written word does not convey the nuances of facial expression, verbal tone, etc. This is all meant kindly and in a friendly manner.

By: kelvin

kelvin — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:17:29 +0000

There is a helpful discription here. So far as I am concerned, gaiters are gender-neutral.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:59:12 +0000

here in the Colonies (USA, Episcopal Church USA) I’m afraid to admit to ignorance? What are gaiters?

And my parish has a rector who happens to be a woman. Are there equivalent garments for women?

By: Rev Ruth

Rev Ruth — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:04:17 +0000

I seem to recall wrestling with a certain retired Bishop of St Andrews, D&D who also had a penchant for the gaiters. He was dreadful in processions and seemed to have forgotten that he was not the current Bishop and therefore should not be at the end of the line. However, on the subject of gaiters, I don’t think he particularly cut a dashing figure nor was he an instrument of mission. I fear he just looked like a comedy bishop.

By: Loopy Looe

Loopy Looe — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:27:53 +0000

Ah yes – had the Psalmist been familiar with gaiters we might have received different words of wisdom….. and I am VERY sure that the Provostorial Gaze would still have been Carefully Averted Elsewhere at that moment……..

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:46:31 +0000

You are infuriating. I logged on specifically to say ‘did you notice that tonight’s psalm gave the definitive answer to the gaiter controversy?’ But my journey home was rather longer than yours.

Best sung word at evensong: tenor ‘whithereth’. No grass left standing for miles.

By: kelvin

kelvin — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:05:36 +0000

The psalmist tells us that the Lord hath no pleasure in the strength of an horse : neither delighteth he in any man’s legs.

However, in the light of this conversation, I feel we must ask whether the psalmist spoke a little hastily.

By: kelvin

kelvin — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:32:33 +0000

I remember, long before I was ordained, overhearing a conversation amongst certain clerics about what the most appropriate clerical attire was for Glyndebourne. I feel that gaiters should have been, in some small way, a part of that conversation.

Am I right in thinking that it is not just gaiters that divide us? It seems to me that the correspondents of this blog are as likely to be divided upon the frock coat which Marion brings up so timeously. Horror from some, eager anticipation from others.

It is a good job that I have the recent experience of appearing in a double page spread in an international style magazine. I feel as though that should add some clout to my opinions in just this kind of area.

However, on the gaiter question, I’ve still not made up my mind.