Last Friday, St Mary’s Church in Henley-On-Thames was filled to the rafters as Pupils, Parents and Staff of Shiplake College descended for the annual Carol Service.
The service opened with the Camerata singing In Dulci Jubilo. The beautiful rendition set the scene for those who proceeded. Burr Housemaster Mr Adam Mallins went on to read One Solitary Life, a moving prologue written by Dr James Alan Francis. The message behind the reading was about the story of Christ and the importance of remembering what Christmas is truly about.
Shortly afterwards, Lucas Ferrer De Arriba led the performance of Once in Royal David’s City with an astonishing solo. The Year 8 Pupil sang with eloquence and confidence and was joined for the second verse by the Chamber Choir, followed by the full congregation.
The College’s Rev’d Stephen Cousins led the Bidding Prayer, followed by the Lord’s Prayer and was joined by the congregation. Louis Poundall of Year 8 went on to read the First Lesson, Isaiah 9, before the Chamber Choir sang In The Bleak Midwinter. Tayla Caldeira, whose solo was utterly transcendent, opened the Carol, with Robbie Rayne also moving the church to silence with his solo verse.
Blake Butler-Creagh of Year 9 then read the Second Lesson, St Luke 1. After his reading, he invited the congregation to stand to sing O Little Town Of Bethlehem, which echoed through the striking church in Henley. Ben Willis of Year 10 and Max Smith of Year 11 read the Third and Fourth Lessons, which detailed the birth of Jesus and the Homage of the Shepherds.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, the College Carol, came next - as did the Shiplake sing-off. The entire congregation sang the first verse before Burr, Everett and Welsh sang the second. Orchard and Skipwith sang the third and Gilson House and the Lower School sang the fourth. The whole College sang the final verse and finally sat back down.
Director of Marketing Katherine Green gave a reading of The Holy Epiphany and was followed by Shiplake’s Male Vocal Group, who sang Et In Terra Pax. The congregation sang Joy To The World and were joined by the London Heritage Brass Band towards the end of the Hymn.
Year 12 Jack Burgess read the Sixth Lesson while Headmaster Gregg Davies read the Seventh. Year 13 Eloise Harman read a charming poem about why we celebrate Christmas. Rev’d Cousins then read the final prayer, a blessing, and was joined by Cameron Bell, Head Chapel Warden, and Alex Sutton, Deputy Chapel Warden, who gave a final prayer for the New Year. The final Hymn of the morning was O Come, All Ye Faithful, which brought the wonderful service to a close.
The retiring collection was in aid of the Christians in Reading Drop in Centre, a charity that is supported by both the College and the Rev’d himself. The service in Henley was a glorious occasion; thank you so much to those who came, and for now, Shiplake College wishes you a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year!