Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday November 3rd 2022

A goodly crowd gathered again at the Barn again, full of cheer in anticipation of singing songs in readiness for the festive season ahead.  We started with an update about plans for the Weald and Downland Advent Market event (Nov.27th) - then we got on with the singing!  We began with "Holly Bears a Berry", followed by "The Coppers Christmas Song", the "Pentonville" shepherds watched, "Angel Gabriel", "Sweet Chiming Bells" and the "Sussex Carol" (remembering to repeat the last verse to finish it).  More fun was had with the seasonal Rounds: "Child of Light" mixed and matched with "Hey Ho Winter Snow", and "Gather Round the Fire".  We look forward to sharing these with any listener wanting to join in at the Advent Market and our sing at Petworth House on Dec.10th. A well earned break included some more forward planning notices - including mention of another seasonal sing at Sullington Barn on January 21st (more details to follow).

Singing resumed with "Masters in the Hall", "Deck the Halls", "Fields Lie Silent" and "The Woodcutters Song".  "Silent Night" was then suggested and tried, although not everyone knew or had the words available.  Its origins are not in the South Downs, but most agreed it would be a familiar song that listeners at our events would be able to join in with. (N.b. it's not on the SDFS Blog, but doubtless can be found online elsewhere.)

The evening concluded with the pleasure of another Round, “I Heard a Bird Sing”, which was tried in multiple parts but in the end agreed that just 2 parts worked best.  The evening concluded with a cheery rendition of "The Holly and the Ivy" with our usual folksy tune.  Well done all!

See you in December!