Livery Carol Service
6th December 2017St Lawrence Jewry
The annual Carol Service normally takes place during the first week of December. It was a busy day for me with a GPC meeting, followed by a Benevolent Fund Trustees' meeting. Nevertheless, the Mistress and I arrived at St Lawrence Jewry in good time with chilled Gavi di Gavi to ensure that arrangements for the readers were all in place. On arrival, I was taken aback by the fact that the Christmas Tree outside the church was in darkness. The Lady Mayoress had not switched on the lights on the tree in Guildhall Yard and until those lights were on, the St Lawrence Jewry tree must remain in darkness.
Mark Gower-Smith co-ordinates and chooses the music for the carol service. This year, it was simply perfect. Catherine Ennis played the organ and we were treated to an exceptional performance. The Sevenoaks School Choir were outstanding and their performance of The Lamb with music by John Tavener was perfect. My thanks to the readers: Archie Smith, Elise Rasmussen, Charles Miller and Roger Brookes. Honorary Chaplain, David Parrott gave a thoughtful sermon which played upon Immediate Past Master Miller's profession as an auctioneer and antiques expert. Our charities were represented and there was an opportunity to chat over a glass or two of wine before we departed for dinner. As we stepped outside, it was clear that the Lady Mayoress had switched on the lights in Guildhall Yard and the St Lawrence Jewry tree was illuminated. Christmas had arrived.