Carols by Candlelight raises £274
.. for Mayoral charities and Allenbourn School Band
For the fourth year in succession ‘Carols in the Cornmarket’ took place on the Friday before Christmas (18th December).Organised jointly by Hilda Butler, former Chairman of Churches Together in Wimborne and Town Councillor Anthony Oliver this now annual event attracted a large crowd on a very cold but dry evening.
An opening welcome was given by Anthony Oliver before the singing of the first Carol ‘Away in a Manger’. The first lesson was read by Captain Janine Lewis of the Salvation Army. This was followed by Carol “O, little town of Bethlehem before
the second lesson was read by Town Mayor Cllr. John Burden.
Other lessons were read by Hilda Butler and Baptist Minister Reverend Robert Jones. Minster Curate Reverend Derek Tighe read a Poem and the Blessing was given by Reverend Thelma Lockwood, Minster Curate, in the absence of the Rector, The Reverend Canon John Holbrook who was unwell. Music, for the second year running, was provided by Allenbourn Middle School Band.
‘Candles in jars’ to provide ‘light’ for the event were provided by Robert Jones, (Baptist Minister) from the Leigh Park Initiative.
A collection taken raised £274 for the Mayor’s Charities, “Friends of Victoria Hospital”, Wimborne and “The Priest’s House Museum” and Allenbourn School Band Funds.
Anthony Oliver speaking after the event said, “it was good to see such a large crowd present for a truly community event and thanked everyone for their support including the Salvation Army who provided chairs for the band and refreshments afterwards in their Hall and David Hartwell who very kindly provided the PA Equipment”. BBC Radio Solent also did a live link-up with Cllr Robin Cook during the event and “Hark! the herald-angels sing” was clearly heard across the air waves!
It is hoped that this now Annual Event can continue to be held on the Friday before Christmas. Next year’s event however will be on Friday 17th December as Christmas Eve falls on a Friday and this would probably not be a good evening for the occasion!