Once in Royal David’s City’ sang the lone chorister. The hairs on the back of my neck rose at such a beautiful sound. The full choir and congregation then joined in as the Dean, Clergy, myself, and Wardens processed into a packed Southwark Cathedral for our Christmas Carol Service. What a joy it was to see so many people taking part! There was not a spare seat available.
The service was beautifully conducted by our Honorary Chaplain, The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark along with The Reverend Christopher Kevill–Davies, the Honorary Chaplain to the Glaziers. Our very own Chanters, Edith and Madeleine were in fine voice for their solos, as was the rest of the choir. It really is Christmas when you hear the carols being performed so splendidly.
Our special thanks go to Timothy West CBE who read three excerpts from Dickens for us, what a treat!
The service was followed by a jolly supper at the Hall, where we were also delighted to have the company of Prunella Scales. Guests also included a number of Master Environmental Cleaners, Gary Fage, Master Glazier, David Stringer-Lamarre, Master Tin Plate Worker alias Wire Workers, Erica Stary, Master Scientific Instrument Maker Professor Philip Thomas and Maria Chanmugam, Master-elect of the Glass Sellers. We were also delighted to welcome the Middle Warden of the Guild of Young Freemen, the Secretary to The City Livery Yacht Club and members of the Glass Sellers and Butchers.
A raffle was held for the Marie Curie charity for prizes which Steve and I donated, which were gamely won by those who generously bought tickets. We raised from the raffle alone over £700 for my charity, Marie Curie. This money along will to be used to pay for nurses in the Bury area, which is my hometown. Thank you for being so generous.
I would like to extend a big thank you to Clerk for organising such a fantastic evening and thank you to all who attended, and if you didn’t, make sure you come next year.
I would also like to add a bit of news, the bail money you generously donated for my ‘Jailed & Bailed’ event apparently has put me in the top 15% of fundraisers who use JustGiving this month, as over £1200 raised. I know this, because I was sent an email, well an algorithm did. I am, however, happy to say that I shall be serving my time at the Tower on a re-scheduled date in January.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year to you and your family.
Sarah.
