My last post, was just on the end of November, when I had just wound down following a very successful project, preparing everyone of St Mark's Wellingborough for Advent.
In fact, I put so much of my heart and soul into that service, that I seemed to develop some 'December blues'
For me, It turns out that our 'Advent Story' service was my advent.
On Advent Sunday, I opened up the pub, served about 5 people all day, before heading to St Peter's Weston Favell for their Candlelit Advent Service. A lovely occasion, cracking music including Martin How's last verse of 'Helmsley' at the close!
The next morning, I wake up with no voice, coughing like crazy, no cold, no other symptoms. I didn't even feel poorly! What ever the bug was, it is still just about bugging me now!
So with very little singing voice, I haven't Sung on a Sunday morning in the whole advent season. It has taken me nearly two weeks to record just one verse of music ready for 'The big day'
I was delighted that on Wednesday 13th December, I was invited to play the organ and piano for Weston Favell Academy's Annual Carol Service.
Following this event, I turn my attention to pulling pints and serving the community of Mawsley. At TCAM, we have gone through all of our wonderful events, including Christmas parties for Children, School staff, Coffee clubs, afterschool clubs. You name it, we did it! 108 Mince Pies served!
Last Tuesday, our wonderful team of bartenders had a wonderful night off and headed to The Tollemache Arms in Harrington, for a bit of festive cheer for ourselves. Another awesome evening with great people! Our awesome leader Nicola will be receiving a bouquet of flowers in the new year, on behalf of us very grateful staff, thanking her for the relentless work, support, and patience!
On my last shift of the week, I was delighted to see our wonderful colleague Holly, who is currently studying in Aberystwyth. Unfortunately, just before she was due home for Christmas she took a bit of a tumble, and suffered quite a serious injury. So unfortunately, I won't get to work with her over the festive time. But to see her still smiling and as stunning as ever was so good to see! Jack, her brother, will be an expert at the manual wheelchair, very soon!! Best wishes dear friends!
Now, It's time to get the glad-rags and the makeup on, I might even get out the 'shiny shoes' as its Christmas Eve, and I need to get ready for "Yea Lord we Greet thee"
Organ music will include the usual array of numbers featured in C.H Trevor's Old English Organ Music for Manuals collections. Concluding the service with William Selby's Voluntary in A.
Then, on 'The Big Day' I have a little Christmas Message, ready to go and do the rounds!
This December I've not been at my best,
I've not been able to do everything,
and the things I've done
I haven't always done very well.
But I've made it.
Just!
Christmas will be nice for me.
A time of festive cheer.
filled with family love, laughs and glee
and probably a pint of beer.
But for some, this time of year is not as merry and bright,
It could be the loss of a loved one.
The smiles have gone, and it's just not right.
or it's a table set for one.
for those who find Christmas difficult,
here is a song by Vince Cross and Brendan Read-Jones.
No One But Me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyR7wVAUrsY
How Ever Christmas is for you
It's with my love and best wishes
Ellie x
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