Carols and festive cheer

The festive season is well and truly upon us and it’s been a very busy week with performances and last-minute rehearsals. Thursday was the big night of the parish carol service where the choir looked and sounded amazing. Men in black tie and ladies in elegant black with touches of red – we enjoyed singing our three chosen pieces and, thanks to Peter Rose and his skills at the sound desk, the choir sounded powerful and beautiful in the specially-decorated church. It was a great evening, with mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. Our last major effort before the Christmas break was on Sunday at mass (yes, I know I’ve worked you really hard this week, you’ve certainly earned a rest!) We sung “a cappella” for the first time ever and it was a resounding success, with a rendition of “Over my Head” a very powerful, spiritual song.
The congregation once again enjoyed hearing you sing enormously and I could see that you were all having a good time as well, which is what it’s all about. Straight after mass I was enormously touched by the Christmas gifts and cards you presented to me and also to Alex. It was incredibly thoughtful and generous of you all and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your singing brings us all such joy and is so uplifting. Pat yourselves on the back for a job well done. There will be more in the New Year with our next “outing” at the charity concert on 17th January. We will have the chance to rehearse two or three times after we come back from the Christmas and New Year break. Wishing you and your families a very happy, peaceful and blessed Christmas with all the very best for 2014. Helen X