The church was spectacularly lit with candles, lasers, computer controlled lighting and 1,500 fairy lights. The concert included musical numbers from Les Miserables, Whistle Down the Wind and Spamalot in addition to well known Christmas songs.
For the first time in living memory we were forced to cancel our Christmas Family Service. The snow started falling the previous day and despite the fact a dozen children valiantly struggled through the snow to attend the morning rehearsal, the snow continued to fall all day and overnight. By Sunday morning the snow was 18 inches deep with most roads impassable to anything other than 4 wheel drive vehicles.
However the highlight of the concert, certainly for the children, was the entrance of Santa Claus, who came laden with sweets. This year's special effects snow, bubbles and smoke! After the concert there was a delicious buffet for all the audience.
We also went carol singing around the village. This is the 26th consecutive year that we have been carol singing in Bladon. Over the years we've sung in sub-zero temperatures, wind, fog and even snow. However we've always been luckily that it hasn't rained - and this year was no exception. Infact with snow lying deep on the ground it made the atmosphere even more 'Christmasy' than usual! Around thirty children and parents turned out and we collected £120. Afterwards the singers enjoyed hot chocolate, mince pies and mulled wine! Thank you to everyone who donated so generously.
The snow also meant the cancellation of rehearsals over the weekend for our Candlelit Concert. However we decided to go ahead with the concert itself and have a rehearsal beforehand. Over three quarters of the cast managed to struggle through the snow and get to church which meant we were able to put on the complete programme as planned. Bladon turned out in force, despite more snow falling during the day, which meant the church was full to capacity.
