Hedge End Village Hall was packed to capacity for this year’s Christmas offering.  Much fun and enjoyment was had by all.   Irish dancers from the Forrestall School of dancing, entertained us with their fast, complicated dance steps and they shone not only because of their spectacular costumes, but also because of their abundant talent.  Rory Staff, a great favourite of ours and of our audiences, delighted us with jazzy carols and a wonderful, lilting rendition of ‘Summertime’.  We were also lucky enough to have Callum Litchfield and Jamie Kimathi Milburn perform several songs for us and playing guitar and flute.  Two very entertaining, light-hearted readings were given by Janet Moody and Ann Lee, adding to the festive flavour of the event and making everyone laugh.

This year, we extended a warm welcome to our new Music Director Lillian Sedilles, who has worked hard with us to produce pieces of breath taking beauty.  A varied programme of traditional sing along carols for the audience, interspersed with interesting set pieces was exceeding well received.  The Ukranian Sleigh song was particularly well liked, with its fast rhythmic pace, ending in a loud ‘Hey’!   ‘Bethlehem’ provided a quieter, more reflective tone, with beautiful harmonies and rising and falling dynamics.  The concerts ended with our much loved ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’, for which we received a huge ovation. Thanks also to Chris Alison, our pianist, ably assisted by his children Martha and Zac turning pages and also to David Farnell our Assistant MD.

The matinee concert was of course attended by a special jovial man, with a white beard, red, carrying a very large sack, full of presents for the younger members of the audience.  Mince pies and mulled wine were enjoyed by all.

We look forward to, dare we say it, our Christmas 2017 concerts!