Originally posted in December 2019.

With Christmas approaching, John’s website has reminded me of time spent in my school choir singing Christmas carols (please note that I was in the choir because I was in the top set for English/history/music rather than because of any singing talent!). Each year we took part in the school Carol Service, which was a major event. I remember that one year the Carol Service was held in St Chads Catholic Cathedral, in the centre of  Birmingham, which was an awe-inspiring place to perform in.

We sang the old favourites such as Away in a Manger and Silent Night but we also sang some more unusual carols. One I still remember, about 50 years later, is a beautiful, mournful number called the Coventry Carol. It tells the story of the slaughter of the innocents by King Herod after he is told of the birth of Jesus.

On a lighter note, I must tell you that Tony’s favourite carol is Hark the Herald Angels Sing. He wanted to include it in our wedding service but as we got married in April I wouldn’t allow it!  He tells me that he was brilliant singing carols like Silent Night and In the Bleak Midwinter in his days as a choir boy!