The meaning of Christmas

08.12.2023

Friday, 1st December saw the annual High March Carol Service at St Mary’s & All Saints Church, Beaconsfield led by Reverend Sharon Roberts.

The occasion commenced with some wonderful pre-service Christmas music from Flute Choir, setting the standard for the rest of the service. The lights dimmed as the solo first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ was beautifully sung from the Organ Loft by Charlotte, followed by a magical candlelit procession by Year 3 down the central aisle. This very much set the festive mood for the service, as the congregation were treated to a wonderful variety of prayers, readings, poems and carols. Each year group, as well as the three Upper School choirs, sang a carol with tremendous feeling and enthusiasm, with Year 6’s carol commencing with enchanting solos from Soraya and Elisa. The final carol involved the whole school joining together to sing the traditional Cornish carol, ‘Sans Day Carol’ arranged by John Rutter. These were all expertly accompanied by professional organist, Mr Colin Spinks.

Each of the Year 6 classes recited wonderfully festive poems, with 6B performing ‘The Glastonbury Thorn’ and 6G performing ‘The Lament of the Ostrich.’

Throughout the service Year 6 girls read the traditional nine lessons from the pulpit. These were all delivered with clear diction and confidence by: Soraya and Evani,; Amberly; Astrid and Nayna; Darcey; Isabelle; Anoushka; Alicia and Avaani; Kiret; with the Headmistress, Mrs Gater, reciting the final reading. The service concluded with the popular carol, ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, with Year 6 providing a delightfully tuneful and resonant descant to accompany the final verse.

Well done to all the girls in Upper School.