On Saturday 17 December the BlueBelles took part in a fantastic Christmas Concert in Marlborough College Chapel. The concert was arranged by Alison Netherclift and supported Hope for Homes for Children.
The first Chapel, designed by Edward Blore (1787-1879), was opened in 1848 to accommodate 500 boys. It was, however, a rather plain building and by 1880 the College community had, in any case, grown to over 600. The “new” Chapel, dedicated to St Michael and All Angels, was erected on the site of the old. It was built by Stephens & Barstow at a cost of £31,000 under the direction of the distinguished architects, George Bodley and Thomas Garner and was consecrated on 29th September, 1886 by the Bishop of Salisbury.
Hope and Homes for Children work together with children, their families, communities, professionals, NGOs and governments across Central and Eastern Europe and Africa to ensure that institutionalisation is a thing of the past, and that no child has to grow up deprived of the love and care of a family.
You can find out more about the charity on their website at : www.hopeandhomes.co.uk
There were two choirs taking part in the concert; The BlueBelles and Great Bedwyn Millennium Choir directed by Fiona Mc Arthur. Alongside the choirs were two soloists and there was also some congregational Carol Singing. We sang Carol of the Bells followed by our jazzy version of Jingle Bells which resulted in an unprompted round of applause from the Congregation. Even the vicar said that it now felt like Christmas!
The concert raised a staggering £5020 for Hopes and Homes for Children and we were delighted to have been a part of such a lovely concert.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Leave a Reply