Choir news

My last article finished mid-way through our preparations for Christmas with the Christingle, and just before Emma was licensed and installed as our new vicar. For many people in our church it was the first time they'd been to an installation service and were quite surprised to see more clergy arriving than at a Father Ted convention!

It was wonderful to see so many of Emma's family, friends and colleagues, as well as our own congregations, who had come to support her as she began her new ministry as our vicar. I know I was one of many people who felt profoundly moved at the moment when Bishop Richard licensed Emma with the charge of vicar of the benefice and then blessed her. Dave provided a nice personal touch with a spectacular fanfare on Moonriver as Emma was led to her stall, at which point the Archdeacon whispered in Emma's ear "You're getting the full works today!"
The service was followed by a magnificent buffet reception in the hall for which we were all very grateful to everyone who had prepared it.

The following Sunday was our traditional carol service which was attended by more people than ever before, largely due to the milder weather than last year and the effort in delivering all the parish Christmas cards to every home with details of our services. The highlight of the service was our performance of Philip Stopford's Coventry Carol which we'd learned for this year. The solo by Bex in the last verse took us all to another level - it was simply amazing!

Next on our busy agenda was Carols & Punch and we were delighted to welcome David Norris again who came to play oboe with us. Also on our guest list was Jacko and we were delighted that Fr Myles was able to come and join us too. He really enjoyed being back with us for the festive frivolities! Jacko had written a review of 2011 for us to sing and we were delighted with some wonderful performances from Simon on flute, Pamela on piano and Edd and Jon performing their arrangement of Scarborough Fair. My thanks to all the choir who sang so well and to everybody that came to join in the singing and make the night such an enjoyable one.

Christmas heralded the end of Erin's tenure as Head Chorister and she has now moved onto the back rows with all the other pensioners! Erin has been Head Chorister for 2 years and I would like to thank her for being such a dedicated role model for the younger choristers to look up to. She's managed to do this whilst juggling her studies and work placement and working in Tesco so I know how great a demand she has had on her time. I'm sure she's inspired all the choristers with her commitment, loyalty and example. Thank you Erin from all of us!

I have appointed Leah Coyle as the new Head Chorister and I'm sure she'll do a great job inspiring the next generation of choristers who will be joining us soon. If you know any children in years 5 or 6 that are interested in auditioning for the choir, do please come and see me to arrange an audition.

With my very best wishes for a happy 2012,

Geoff