Aylesbury Concert Band returned to St Mary’s Church on 3rd December for the annual Mayor’s Carol Service, a more cheerful occasion than the previous visit. Once again the music making was shared by the Aylesbury Consort of Voices, the church choir (director Kenton Brigden) and this time, Bedgrove Junior School choir.
Fr. Doug Zimmerman began the service by welcoming all to the church, and this was followed by the opening carol Once in Royal David’s City led by the church choir with soloist Libby Hough, and accompanied by Aylesbury Band. As well as the carols and readings from scripture the service included musical interludes from all the performers – the Band played Minor Alterations by David Lovrien (Christmas tunes re-imagined in minor keys) and White Christmas; the Aylesbury Consort of Voices sang Welcome Yule by Hubert Parry, The Coventry Carol, arranged by Kenneth Leighton, and Hodie Christus natus est by Francis Poulenc. Bedgrove Junior School choir entertained us by singing The 12 Days of Christmas.
After the final blessing from Fr. Zimmerman everyone joined in singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas, accompanied by the Band. Finally the Mayor and Councillors helped distribute mulled wine and mince pies to everyone.