A performance from Farnham Youth Choir left the congregation at St Andrew’s Church in awe at the Civic Christmas Carol Service on Wednesday 7 December. For the tenth year, the choir performed arrangements of traditional carols and seasonal choral pieces in front of the Mayor of Farnham, invited guests and local residents.
Thanking those who helped make the service a success, the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker says: “The carol service is an important part of the civic calendar. Farnham Youth Choir left us in no doubt as to why they have achieved acclaim around the UK and beyond. I would like to thank all the young people in the choir for performing so beautifully and to thank Reverend David Uffindell and his team for such a warm welcome at St Andrew’s.”
Each year, Farnham Town Council invites local volunteers who have supported Farnham’s community during the year to the service to thank them for their contribution. The remaining half of the tickets are allocated to residents through a ballot.
Local dignitaries who attended included Brigadier Roger Hood QVRM TD DL, the Mayor of Waverley, the Deputy Mayor of Godalming Town Council and the Mayor of Whitehill Town Council and his Consort. Farnham Town Council was also pleased to welcome the President of the Farnham Army Benevolent Fund Hub Major General Aidan Smyth QVRM TD and Mrs Susan Smyth as well as patrons and supporters of Farnham Youth Choir including Gareth Treseder, composer of En natus est Emanuel Dominus which was performed by the choir.
The service included readings by local people; Richard Whatmore from Farnham Foodbank represented the wider community and Phoebe Foskett who is the head girl at Weydon School represented young people of Farnham. The Deputy Lieutenant, the Mayor of Waverley and Mayor of Farnham read too.
Councillor Alan Earwaker says: “One of the traditions we continue each year at this service is recognising the invaluable contribution to the community by the hundreds of people who volunteer in and around Farnham. They are just a fraction of the many local people who give their time and energy to support other people, particularly people in need, and to enrich Farnham’s community. With life being even harder this year, on behalf of the town, I would like to thank them especially this Christmas.”
The 2022 Civic Christmas Carol Service opened with Once in Royal David’s City which included a solo performance by Ben Haines-West. Other carols included O Little Town of Bethlehem and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The choir performed Ballulalow, The Three Kings and others. The service ended with an organ voluntary by Matthew Rickard.
A retiring collection raised over £1,000 for the Mayor’s two chosen charities, Waverley Abbey Trust and Farnham ASSIST.
