On Tuesday evening the whole school gathered on the lawns, in front of School House, for our first outdoor Carol Service. The grounds had been lit up to enhance our beautiful, historic buildings and we were blessed with mild weather which meant the whole campus twinkled magically in the darkness. As staff and pupils arrived, they were treated to hot chocolate and Christmas cake to get them in the festive mood. Mr White had assembled a scratch choir who led the way with the carols and encouraged even the most hesitant of our singers to join in! They were accompanied by our talented Director and Assistant Director of Music, Mrs Lane and Mr Parker, on piano and drums.

Ahead of the event, our wonderful Chaplain, Pete Maidment had spent days filming and editing some delightful vignettes from Tiggy, Will, Lulu, Mr Rimmer and Miss Liggins, who had chosen their favourite Christmas carol and shared their reasons with the audience, in a series of short films.

We had poignant readings delivered by Amelia, Hal and the Headmaster, followed by the Chaplain’s much anticipated (and ever-entertaining) sermon, which this year included an unexpected Covid twist that saw the 3 Wise Men having to isolate at a Travel Lodge somewhere near Basingstoke!

The crowd delighted in singing the classics; O Little Town of Bethlehem, O come, all ye faithful, Good King Wences’las and Silent Night but the clear favourite was Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer! Pupils and staff alike giggled as everyone ‘sang along with glee’!

Thank you so much to the awesome team that made this such a special LWC evening. We were hugely disappointed not to be able to have parents on site with us this year due to Government guidance. We are keeping our festive fingers crossed for 2022!