Joyful Junior School Carol service

All children from Lower Prep to Form 2  (Years 3 to 6) took part, singing carols as an entire cohort and in the Schola and School Choirs. The service began in the traditional way, with a lone chorister (Sofia R from Year 6) singing unaccompanied the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City on the chancel steps, heralding in the school’s candlelit procession. Once in place, the children extinguished their candles with one concerted puff, before the Junior School Headmaster, Mr Simmons, read the first reading.

Traditional and contemporary carols framed the readings: Schola gave a beautiful performance of the much-loved O Holy Night and the School Choir sang Mary’s Lullaby by Hoybye. Three carols were sung by all the children together: In the Bleak Midwinter, Il est né and Ring out the bells (Emerson); they made a glorious sound, filling the abbey with their joyful enthusiasm. Lower and Upper Prep (Years 3 and 4) clearly relished the distinctly eastern Three Kings have journeyed far. Forms 1 and 2 (Years 5 and 6) sang an American setting of Away in a Manger.

The Carol Service made a fitting end to the long and busy term, and gave a sense of the beginning of Christmas, as the congregation sang the old familiar carols once more.

With thanks to Mr Field (Junior School Director of Music), Mr Eastwood (St Benedict’s Director of Music), trumpeter Sam Loveless (OP), and to the children for a wonderful Christmas celebration.

There was a retiring collection for the Catholic Children’s Society and HCPT – The Pilgrimage Trust.