The sound of hundreds of people singing traditional Christmas carols filled St Andrew’s Church, Farnham on 12 December at the Civic Christmas Carol Service which was hosted by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans.

Councillor Evans, says: “The choir sang beautifully and the service, led by the Reverend David Uffindell, reminded us of the sentiments at the heart of Christmas: compassion, forgiveness and community. It was such an honour to host the service, which is held each year partly to thank volunteers who help others in our community and also to bring local people together at this time of year.”

Farnham Youth Choir led the singing and performed a number of songs before an enchanted audience. Joanna Tomlinson conducted the internationally acclaimed choir which was supported with musical accompaniment from Matthew Rickard and Brian Cotterill. As well as the Mayor, readings came from Bridget Biddell High Sheriff of Surrey, Colin Channon Editorial Manager at the Herald, John Negus a community volunteer and Ewan Chisnall representing the young people of Farnham.

The Civic Christmas Carol Service is organised by Farnham Town Council and supported by the Farnham Herald. 

Speaking after the service, the Mayor said: “I would like to thank all of those who came along this evening, particularly our wonderful local volunteers whose contribution to the community we celebrated in the service. My thanks also go to the many people who entered the public ballot in the Farnham Herald for tickets and came out on a very wet winter evening to celebrate Christmas with us. The team from St Andrew’s welcomed us warmly and helped make sure everything ran smoothly.” 

A collection carried out after the service raised over £1,100. This will be divided between Step by Step Housing’s Open Doors Christmas appeal and the Mayor’s two charities, space2grow and the Hale Community Project.

Following the service, all guests were invited to join the Mayor for refreshments.