Benenden singers drew a close to the Autumn term and welcomed the festive season with a series of four outstanding Carol Services.
It was a great thrill for the School community to usher in Advent and the start of the Christmas season by holding both the Lower and Upper School Carol Services in the splendid setting of the Centenary Hall.After several years of relocating to Cranbrook or making recordings to share online, the sights and sounds of the carols resounding around the hundreds in the congregations felt long overdue and momentous for the School.The readers at the services acquitted themselves superbly, and the music was performed by over 120 musicians incorporating the Chamber Choirs, as well as percussion, string and brass players.In addition to the School Carol Services, a service was also delivered for more than 270 Seniors, Honorary Seniors, parents of the Chapel Choir and other guests, who gathered at St Peter’s Eaton Square for the annual Seniors’ London Advent Service.Everyone was treated to a most uplifting service with glorious singing by the choir, after which drinks, Benenden Brownies and mince pies were enjoyed while guests caught up with one another. Many attendees commented that this event heralds the start of Christmas for them.
Later, a second service was held for Seniors in the Benenden Chapel, where readings were given by Seniors and staff and carols were sung in unity. A delicious Christmas lunch was then served in the Terrace Room.