The College community came together on the last day of the Autumn Term for the annual Carol Service in St Mary's Church, Henley-on-Thames. On arrival, 900 parents, pupils and staff were greeted by the Embassy Brass Band playing festive tunes outside the church.
Following a welcome from Father Jeremy, the Rector of St Mary's Church, and Revd Briggs the School Chaplain, the service opened with the first verse of Once in Royal David's City sung beautifully by Max Marson-Day in Year 9 before the Choir sung verse two and then were joined by all members of the congregation. The Chorus, Camerata and Male Vocal Group all performed carols during the service, interspersed with lessons read by pupils and staff from across the College. In addition to congregational carols and the College Carol where all pupils and staff sung Good King Wenceslas according to their Houses, Hope Lane, this year's Shiplake Poet Laureate, read their poem To All Tomorrows. Below is a highlights video of the service, which is dedicated in loving memory to Revd Briggs, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday 21 December.
There was a retiring collection at the end of the service in aid of The Reading Drop-In Centre for the homeless and those living on the frnge of society. Our thanks to Father Jeremy for his kind permission to use St Mary's Church; the organist, The Revd Mark Pybus; the Embassy Brass; the choral directors Mr Curran, Mr Jones and Mrs Rapple Moore; the maintenance and grounds team; the Lay Chaplain Mr Alcock; Mr Dix for oversight of all arrangements; and to the Prefects and Chapel Wardens for their help with the service.
