Village Christmas Concert 2007
By Christine KalveksIt’s said that: “It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air” and this was certainly borne out at The Lee Christmas Concert in the Parish Hall on 17th December. With eight days to go before the 25th, residents gathered for an evening of festive music at an event that had clearly drawn on the talents, efforts and energy of many members of the local community.
In a venue packed to capacity, the choir, under the leadership of June Lock, sang carols and Christmas favourites such as Three Kings from Persian lands and See amid the winter snow in four part harmony. Other highlights included a rendition of We three kings of Orient are featuring solos from Simon Napier-Mun, Iain Scotter and Mike Senior and O Holy Night, sung by Simon Napier-Mun. The endeavours of the choir were interspersed with solos from other local residents, including Covent Garden soprano Glenys Groves, violinists Dr Lyn Jenkins and Gareth Hart and pianists Gordon Cumming, Esther Cavett and Thelma King. By the time the concert concluded with a rousing rendition of O come all ye faithful involving all present, the atmosphere of seasonal goodwill in the Parish Hall was almost tangible.
Responding to applause at the end of the concert, Mrs Lock paid tribute to her choir and also to the members of her support team who had contributed to the success of the evening, stating that every request for assistance had been met with enthusiasm. The result was a professional lighting rig (Malcolm Weir and Les Brewer), efficient staging (Paul Apicella, Gilbert Nockles and Chris Ruttle), appealing decorations and flowers (Gill Holland and Julia Whittaker) and excellent canapés and mince pies after the concert (Leigh Porter). It was a wonderful evening, enjoyed by all, and as the audience dispersed there was certainly a sense of the spirit of Christmas being taken out into the wider world.