West Malvern CORRESPONDENT: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604

St James's Church rang to the rafters of its newly restored chancel roof with a truly joyful sound last Sunday, as a much enlarged choir - and a congregation estimated at close to 300 people - took part in the carols by candlelight service. With most of the old favourite carols, plus a number of less familiar ones rendered by the choir it was a musical feast. The opening solo Once In Royal David's City was sung by young soprano Timothy Dolding, who was joined in a later carol sung from the pulpit with Alan Wallbridge. With John and Susan Raine on organ and keyboard providing the accompaniments, the choir was led by Lynne Lindner, who also sang a solo, with the some of the descants thrillingly rendered on the trumpet by our vicar Richard Rosoman who also conducted the service. Coffee and mince pies afterwards ended a happy occasion for everybody.