Chichester Local Group - Thursday December 19th 2024

Eleven of us were at the "Chichester Inn" for our December sing.  We were sorry not to see some of the usual faces who were unable to attend due to health concerns - and we wish them well for the new year.  The main room at the pub was busy with a festive party so we had use of the quieter side bar - with a very seasonal hearth and log fire beside us (although it needed repeated attention, including bellows, to keep the warmth of its glow going!).  Alan and Anne brought instruments (guitar, melodeon and whistle) to accompany us and add to the fun. We also enjoyed seasonal readings and songs, 'party pieces', contributed by Chris T and Gordon.  Amongst them "Spot of the Antarctic" and the "Twelve Songs" carol made welcome comebacks and must now qualify as 'traditions' at the Chichester group's December session!  Lyn added to the fun with her updated version of "Hard Times of Old England" - which we hope she will send in to have it posted on the "Songs Written by Us" and "Other Songs to Try" pages of this Blog - watch these spaces !

A variety of seasonal songs and carols were suggested or requested and sung - favourites from our SDFS collection, some selected from the carol song sheets brought by Alan, plus one or two other winter songs, "Fields Lie Silent" and "Woodcutters Song".  The first of these last two was tried (and liked) at a slightly quicker pace than when sung at the recent Petworth event - and the vibrant "Woodcutters Song" somewhat compensated for the dying embers in the hearth beside us…    Julia and Nicola sang Julia's song "The Holly King and the Oak King" as a duet - with thanks to both, and we looked forward to hearing and using this song  more next year.  As the evening moved on and conversation turned to our next 'sings out' in January (the first being at the Tarring Wassail on January 5th), the "Gloucester Wassail" was chosen from the many we know as a rousing one to close the evening.  We then parted with festive well-wishing and thanks to all for their company and music making - and here's another Big thank you to Alan, for his diligent and careful facilitation of another year of Chichester sessions.  We look forward to more in 2025! 

Happy Yule to All.  H.