The Carols by Starlight event has long been a fixture of Hunsdon’s celebration of Christmas. It hasn’t always been called that, but the format has remained broadly the same for the last two decades. There is definitely something to be said for the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
The weather was kind – not too cold, and importantly, it was not raining. A few folk who usually turn out were otherwise engaged, but we were pleased note new faces in the crowd and delighted to welcome some people who have only moved to the village this year. We don’t count heads, but we reckon it was probably the biggest gathering that we’ve had for a while.
And the singing was good. Perhaps this was as a result of being conducted by the young gentleman who had come as an enthusiastic supporter of the band. Several times, he addressed them, “Musicians ready!” then turned to the rest of us; “Singers ready!” (Was I alone in wanting to say, “Gladiators ready!”?) The musicians (Bishop’s Stortford Brass Band) were excellent as always – playing all of the favourite choices at appropriate speeds (which is particularly important for “Ding Dong Merrily on High” with its one-breath chorus: “Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ria”).
In recent years, the Rector has offered a reflection based on one of the Christmas adverts, but this year he broke tradition and spoke about the Christmas number one single – Kylie Minogue’s “X.M.A.S.” and he even danced for us (if you can call it dancing). Whilst Kylie sang about kissing at Christmas, it was good to hear that the love of God revealed at Christmas is far deeper than a kiss by the Christmas tree!
Afterwards, many of us moved inside the Village Hall for seasonal refreshments and conversation, helping to keep Hunsdon’s wonderful community spirit alive. Cash and card donations of over £100 were sent to the Salvation Army to support their work in Harlow.
If you’ve never been to this happy little event, you really should think about pencilling it in your diary for this year – Monday 21st December at 7:30pm. We hope to see you there!
Free Brass Lessons
The band is offering free lessons in small group tuition for anyone (8 to 80) who would like to learn. All music will be provided and the loan of an instrument may even be possible.
The sessions are January 20th and 27th, February 3rd and 10th (6:15pm – 6:45pm in Bishop’s Stortford). If you are interested, please drop us a line and we will put you in touch.
