Last night saw the annual Christmas Concert at St. Thomas’s church. Once more Ashmore Park Choir were performing in this, their 40th year. There was a full concert with many soloists and to break up the singing there was a reading, an ode and a monologue.
Terry Green as Musical Director was on top form as always, along with his assistant conductor Mr John Billau. Ros Green was the accompanist and Gillian Edwards the organist at St. Thomas’s played magnificently as always. Many carols were sung including favourites which we could all join in and sing together; Once in Royal David’s City, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and my particular favourite, O Come All Ye Faithful to name but a few.
There were solo performances by Rita Williams, Sue Ridgway, Steve Robotham,, Sandra Lloyd, and a new carol I hadn’t heard before performed by Jill Hatton called The Monkey’s Carol  The non singing entertainment was Geraldine Blanchette doing a Gervais Phinn reading about Our Wayne in a manger, and an Ode about pensioners shopping at B&Q  by Clive William and finally a Christmas Monologue by The Bard of Wednesfield, Irene Dodd, was the last but not least non singing contribution.
At half time there were drinks and mincepies which were put on by the ladies and Gentlemen of the Church.
It was a wonderful night and over a Thousand pounds was raised for Christian Aid. Sales of the Jubilee Concert  CD and the lovely Calendar were also good.  The Choir also made a donation from their CD sales to Compton Hospice.
This is always the start of Christmas for me and once again Terry Green and his Performers did a wonderful job as always .