IT was six days until the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and Henry had a decision to make. More accurately, he had to be seen to be deliberating, but he had made up his mind long ago.
The question was: which of his boy choristers was to take the solo part, singing the first verse of Once In Royal David’s City” to launch the event?
To do so was an honour. The congregation would be hushed, every ear listening out for the child’s voice siging the familiar words of Cecil Frances Alexander’s famous carol.
Get it wrong and you could feel the warm glow of expectation in the pews give way to disappointment.
Henry thought he’d heard one or two pained groans in previous years.
A couple of times there had been an embarrassed titter.
Get it right and an air of Christmas joy and peace would descend upon all.
As choirmaster, it was Henry’s responsibility to choose a safe incumbent. There were five or six hopefuls, he knew, but only one was up to the task.
“Lewis McTeer,” he told his wife, Abigail.
“He has perfect pitch, knows where to breathe and he doesn’t have a nerve in his body.”
Henry rubbed his hands in glee.
This year’s festival was going to get off to the ideal start.
He wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few tears among the congregation.
His star pupil was going to wow them all.
Abigail had refused to do the Christmas Eve party for the boy choristers this year.
She'd given Henry fair warning. If he insisted on the antiquated idea that only boys could sing in his choir, then she was bowing out.
"I mean it," she'd said. "If you want the music rooms decorated, you can do it yourself.
"Ditto shopping for nibbles and treats, cooking it all and clearing it away afterwards.
Bu hikaye The People's Friend dergisinin December 17, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The People's Friend dergisinin December 17, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
It captured everyone's imagination
A letter penned in 1897 by a Sunderland choirboy has inspired an origami quilt of memories. Bill Gibb finds out more.
The UK has amazing marine life
Bill Gibb looks at the work of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue as they celebrate their 35th year.
It's About Time
Retirement was supposed to be a fresh start for Caroline, if only she could get a moment's peace!
A Breath Of Country Air
Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.
A Test Of Courage
Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?
We Work Together
Office life just wouldn’t be the same without Ethan...
The Art Of Laughter
Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.
Life After Linda
It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...
ES! There in the corner are the speakers
In her weekly column, Maddie Grigg shares tales from her life in rural Dorset...
Lovely Glen Lochay
Willie Shand braves the cold temperatures to enjoy a Stroll near Killin in Perthshire.