Wiltshire Provincial Grand Master John Reid asked his team to think of an event that would embrace the concept of celebrating with the whole family, and it was decided that there’s no better event than a Christmas carol service. Planning was entrusted to a team of four.
The successful occasion saw more than 600 members, family and friends, including 100 children, attend the Provincial Christmas carol service in the beautiful Marlborough College Chapel. From the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City, which was sung by 18-year-old Alexandra Bamford, the festive atmosphere could be felt by everyone attending. Traditional carols and topical readings were led by the Rev John Railton PJGW and his wife, the Rev Sandy Railton.
Provincial organist Gary Cook enjoyed playing the wonderful Beckerath 62-stop four-manual organ, and its glorious sound encouraged some wonderful singing, not least from three members of local male choir The Wessex as they sung the parts of Melchior, Casper and Balthazar in Henry Hopkins Jr’s carol We Three Kings. The Province was honoured by the attendance of His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Mrs Sarah Troughton who was accompanied by Mr Peter Troughton.
The carol service didn’t just bring people together, it also raised donations totalling £1,600 for Teddies For Loving Care (Wiltshire).
