EVERY carol in the book … and then some … was performed at a Winnersh church last weekend, in an epic festive singing event.
St Mary’s Church was the venue for 24 hours of Christmas music.
Starting at 9am on Saturday, December 17, and continuing all the way through the night – when frosty wind made moan, the final verse was sung at 9am the following morning.
It was masterminded by former Welsh Guards musician Peter Lewis.
The carolathon was held to raise funds for two linked parish churches: St Mary’s and its sister church, St Catherine’s in Bearwood and St Mary’s.
Flautist Peter said: “I had no problems staying awake. Being in the army for 23 years, I was used to working 23 hours on, and one hour off, so this was actually fairly easy.”
Peter, who served in Iraq in 2003, is raising money for repairs and improvements to the two church buildings.
“St Mary’s Church has suffered some leaks recently,” he says.
“And St Catherine’s Church needs new heating.
“So I decided to set up a JustGiving page for people to sponsor me, and my target amount was £500.
“The highlight of the event for me came in the middle of the night when I checked the page and saw that we had just reached the target.”
Around 40 people joined Peter on and off during the 24 hours.
Another flautist, two keyboard players and a tuba player from Reading’s Trinity Concert Band accompanied him at different times for an hour or two, and singing audience members contributed at different points in the marathon music session.
“One couple joined me from 3am until 6am which was lovely,” says Peter.
“Some folk stayed for two hours, left, and then came back for more.”
“And there were two people who came and wrote their Christmas cards and wrapped presents while they listened.”
Peter plays flute regularly at St Mary’s Church.
He said the audience’s favourite carol of the night was Silent Night, and thanks to their support the fundraising had exceeded its target. reaching £800.
“It’s been great fun, and I’m planning to do it all again next December,” he says.
“I think I’ll present the event as an opportunity for people to come and wrap their presents and write their Christmas cards.”
For information about the two parish churches, visit: www.winnershparish.org
