We returned to St Nicolas’ Church for our carol service on 13 December, after more than a decade of hosting the event in school.  The traditional setting for the service added ambience and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. The readers were drawn from the whole school community, pupils, parents,  governor and teaching staff. There were many standout performances including Grace in Year 7's 'Once in Royal David's City' solo and Milly and Sophia's duet of  'O Salutaris Hostia'. It was wonderful to see Elizabeth in Year 11, skilfully conducting the St Gabriel's Singers in two contrasting pieces. After Big Band's upbeat 'Caribbean Christmas'  the service closed with Elizabeth, in Year 10's, excellent performance on the organ of JG Walther's 'Wachet auf, ruftuns die stimme'.  The Oval Orchestra supplemented with Mr Ives, Mrs Vaughan and Mr Parker sounded wonderful throughout the service. Congratulations to all our senior girls who performed exceptionally.

Thanks to generous donations, the collection raised over £500 for Loose Ends (a drop in centre serving foodless several days per week to the homeless in Newbury) and St Nicolas Church.

“Musicians and readers from across the whole senior school took part in our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols last night. The event was both a showcase of musical talent and a powerful reflection on Christmas, in the beautiful and atmospheric setting of St Nicolas church, Newbury. The sparkling singing and playing was a great celebration of the end of term and the beginning of the seasonal festivities”.

DR TEBBS - director of music