It’s that time of year again (its turning into a bit of a habit isn’t it). Matthew and I have got our heads together and come up with a date and format for this years carol singing extravaganza and it’s a doozy. Once again, weather permitting, a bunch of us (old and young) are planning to go singing (and playing instruments) around Highfields on the evening of Friday the 21st Dec (just for the hell of it—no extortion involved). Would you and yours like to join in? At the moment the plan is to meet at Matthews (see separate email for details) @ 6:30. Everyone should dress warmly and bring a print-out of the carols—see below—along with some form of light (torch, lamp, lantern on a stick, etc). Target singing time is between 1 and 2 hours (little ones won’t last any longer than that).
Last year knocking on doors and singing to several houses together each time we stopped worked quite well so we’ll probably do the same thing again.
Please warn elderly neighbours. I know that many hide at this time of year to avoid confrontation with the dreaded carol singers who turn up, sing one verse of “We wish you a merry Christmas”, and demand payment (it wouldn’t be so bad if they knew anything else, but ask them to sing something different and all you get is blank looks).
WE WILL NOT BE COLLECTING MONEY!
If a householder wishes to ply us with mince pies and brandy that’s up to them, but it’s unlikely we’ll have time to stop… …for long (last years Baileys and mince pies at the end of Highfields—thanks Huw and Sara—were most welcome and singing with a mouth fill of mince pie crumbs, although not a pretty sight, wasn’t as bad as I feared it might be. No one choked). If you think someone would particularly like a good singing to then let me know in advance so we can plan our stops accordingly.
The carols can be accessed from this web page.
Last year we were adventurous and sung some of them in Welsh/German/Latin (the relevant lyrics are in the Words book). This year we may even try… …Harmony!
The more observant amongst you will see that there are more carols listed than we will (probably) be able to sing in the allotted time. There are also some time honoured favourites missing. I’ve put together ones I like (and could get the music for). If there are any of these you particularly like – and can sing well and loudly – then please let me know so I can endeavour to make sure they don’t get missed out. Similarly, if your absolute must sing favourite is missing (that everyone will know and that you can provide words and music for as well) let me know – the earlier the better – and we’ll try and incorporate it.
After singing we’ll be descending upon Caroline and myself. If everyone also brings a bottle of Glu vine (or something stronger) and some mince pies than an instant post singing mini party should be possible.
Let me know if you’d like to join in.
Hope to see you (all – young and old) on Friday.