Once more it’s that time of year (it’s definitely a habit now. If we’re not careful it will become a tradition). Matthew and I have got our heads together and come up with a date and format for this years carol singing extravaganza. 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 Sunday the 22nd December (just for the hell of it—no extortion involved) and we wondered if you and yours would like to join in? At the moment the plan is to meet at Matthews (see separate email or stop me in the street for details) @ 6:00. 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).
In previous years 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 in advance. 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). On the other hand, some of our neighbours have come to look forward to hearing some real singing and like to know when to expect us.
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 (in past 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, works quite well). 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.
The page allows people to download the words and music (as PDFs) and mp3 files is case anyone isn’t familiar with the tunes. Last year we were adventurous and sung some of them in Welsh/German/Latin (the relevant lyrics are in the Words book and there are some practice mp3s on the web site at the bottom of the page*). This year we may even try… …Harmony! (I know I said that last year, but I really mean it this time).
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. It has even been suggested that we try some “pop” songs (my retort that all these carols are popular fell on deaf ears). Any one got any ideas?
After singing we’ll be descending upon Linda (see separate email or stop me in the street for details—thanks Linda). If everyone also brings a bottle of Glu vine (or something stronger) and some mince pies (etc., etc.) than an instant post singing mini party will be possible.
Let me know if you’d like to join in and feel free to pass this on (and let me know if there are names you think should be added to the mailing list).
More details may be posted here closer to the time (especially if we have some new material) so keep checking back just in case.
Hope to see you (all—young and old) on Sunday.
PaulS
* These have been selected for clarity of diction rather than any particular musical merit.