THE Cotswold Chorus under the musical direction of David Furnival in conjunction with Junior DODS, and accompanied throughout by the piano playing of James Corbett, produced a traditional Carol Service to herald in the Christmas Festive season on 12 December 2013.

It was a thoroughly miserable night outside of the Tabernacle, with strong winds and rain, making its presence felt. But nothing could dampen the spirits of the 100 plus members of the audience.

They were treated to not only traditional carols, but excerpts from Handel’s Messiah including a rousing Hallelujah chorus to providing a fitting finale to the evening. Junior DODS under the leadership of their musical director Julia Prince provided some excellent pieces that complemented the theme of the evening.

Instead of keeping with tradition, with excerpts from nine lessons, the audience was treated to poems with a local theme by John Betjeman, Elizabeth Coatsworth and Laurie Lee, which were very well received.

Review by Richard Osler,