Our busy early December programme to support local community events started on Thursday 1st December with a visit to Caldicot A.F.C. clubhouse to sing to the footballers and supporters after the Corporal Palin Memorial Match between Chepstow A.F.C. and 1st Battalion, the Rifles. This event was organised to raise money for the Rifles ‘Swift and Bold Appeal’.
Well over forty of us arrived after the presentation of the trophy and we started our unaccompanied, short programme of songs, including Stout Hearted Men, Fields of Athenry and Aus der Traube, ably led by Dave Gould. Although we suffered some competition from fans and soldiers still revelling in their victory celebrations over Chepstow, we persevered with our singing much to the delight of an appreciative few in the clubhouse. Never mind, we enjoyed a pint or two afterwards as a reward for our efforts.
The following evening, Friday 2nd, about 55 choristers dressed up to brave the cold, drizzly winter weather to support and entertain the crowds at the ceremony to turn on the Christmas illuminations in Caldicot. We assembled at the Cross at the end of Newport Road and squeezed our cold, wet frames onto the small staging sheltered by a tarpaulin. John Nicholson conducted us, precariously perched on the edge of the stage in the rain. We weren’t sure whether he was waving his arms to keep us in time, or trying to keep his balance. Meanwhile, Steve Berry played the accompaniment expertly, with fingers frozen to the keyboard.
We entertained the small, damp, shivering crowd with a range of Christmas songs including Joy to the World, Casatchok, Shepherds Watch and Wise Men Wonder and Christmas Medley. Our position at the Cross however, meant that not many of the visitors at the nearby fair were aware of our performance. Our faithful group of supporters gave us plenty of encouragement with their enthusiastic cheers and clapping. Comfort and Joy in the pub afterwards.
Photos by Colleen Gauntlett