The school’s annual Carol Service was held on Sunday 11th December at St Mary’s Parish Church. For the first time since the pandemic, parents joined us for the Carol Service and it was very nice to see everyone gather together in the church to celebrate the festive season with traditional carols and Bible readings.

The music programme was chosen by Miss Arthur, our Director of Music, with readings organised by the School Chaplain, Father Jonathan, and throughout the service Mr Joyce played the organ.

To start, Tessa (UVI, Year 13) sang the first verse of the opening carol, Once in Royal David’s City, before the whole congregation joined. Father Jonathan then opened the service with a prayer, followed by the Chamber Choir, led by Miss Arthur, singing Balulalow from A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten.

We all stood to sing O Little Town of Bethlehem together and then listened to a reading from Georgia (LIV, Year 7). The Chamber Choir performed a beautiful rendition of Deo Gracias, also from A Ceremony of Carols. Eve (UIV, Year 9)then stood to share her reading which was followed by the LIV Choir, led by Mr Joyce, who performed The Birds by Benjamin Britten. 

Claire (UV, Year 11) then presented her reading and afterwards we all stood to sing O Come, All Ye Faithful and In the Bleak Midwinter together. This was followed by readings from Katya (LVI, Year 12) and Sienna (UVI). The Chamber Choir then performed their final item, Shepherd’s Pipe Carol.

Thoughts from the MIV (Year 8) included:
‘It was fun and the singers were really good,’ Alice.
‘The songs were fun to sing and I enjoyed listening to the readings,’ Eleanor.
‘It was uplifting listening to the Chamber Choir,’ Martha.
‘I liked the balance of readings and singing,’ Lucy.

We finished with the collect and the Lord’s Prayer, led by Father Jonathan. Dr Kirk shared the final reading, from John Chapter 1, before we all stood to sing Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.

As we walked out to Mr Joyce’s organ playing of Toccata, we reflected on what a beautiful evening it has been.

Sienna, Head Girl