The Christmas Carol Service was held on Friday 16 December, the last day of the Autumn term. Friends and families flocked to St Mary’s Church, Henley, to enjoy the service, which was led by Reverend Stephen Cousins.
Reverend Cousins welcomed the packed congregation, before Lower School Camerata sang Angelus Ad Virginem. Mr Marcus Milburn then read ‘One Solitary Life’, before the congregation stood to sing traditional hymn Once in Royal David’s City. Year 7 pupil Jamie King opened the hymn, singing the first verse as a solo with beautiful precision. The congregation enjoyed readings from Sam Horn (Year 8), Conrad Cameron-Tueton (Year 9), George Head (Year 10), Jack Parrott (Year 11), Mrs Sarah Krause (Head of PSHE), Joachin Ridley-Barker (Year 12) and Teodora Dinescu (Year 13). Headmaster Gregg Davies also read. The Chamber Choir sang a haunting version of Silent Night, and the congregation enjoyed joining the College to sing It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Joy to the World and O Come, All Ye Faithful. Lower School Camerata sang an upbeat and modern version of Away in a Manger, and the College carol this year was As with Gladness Men of Old. The Male Vocal Group, made up of both staff and pupils, sang an absolutely beautiful rendition of A Gift for the King. Reverend Cousins closed the service with a blessing, before Head Chapel Warden Austin Burnand and Deputy Head Chapel Warden Ben Tresidder read a final prayer for the new year. A collection was taken for Sue Ryder and the Reading Drop-In Centre.
It was a lovely Christmas service, and the packed church is testament to how many people enjoy it each year. Mr Simon Dinsdale, a parent, very kindly played the organ for the service. Director of Music Mr Richard Curran, Mrs Louise Rapple Moore, Mr Paul Jones and Mr Byron Ward worked tirelessly on the service, and the various choirs performed beautifully. The choirs were accompanied by Shiplake brass players. It was a wonderful way to round off the term.