The choir of St Mary Magdalene, under the direction of choirmaster Robin Stubbs, sang an Advent carol service recently taken by Rev. Mary Williamson in the wonderful setting of this year’s Christmas Tree Festival organised by Sue Tierney and Sharron Wormald.

The choir items included the traditional plainsong hymn “Creator of the stars of night”, David Willcocks’ arrangement of the “Cherry Tree Carol” and the chorus “And the glory of the Lord” from Handel’s Messiah. A new carol this year was Donald Cashmore’s interesting arrangement of the German carol “Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen” and the final choir piece was a setting of the “Magnificat” by Aston.

The lessons were read by Nicky Foulds, Kate Hancock, Amber Newton, Sharron Wormald, Karen Ponting and Rob Tremain.

Following the service the congregation was invited to a hot supper of soup and rolls in the choir vestry. The choir is now preparing for the service of nine lessons and carols on Christmas Eve at 6.30pm.