On Thursday 14th December, Burgess Hill School for Girls hosted a special Carol Concert at the Triangle Leisure Centre (Olympos) to mark the end of their centenary year celebrations. Over 1300 people attended, and over 300 stars, decorated by pupils, staff and parents, were hung from the ceiling to add a more personal touch to the hall.

The evening began with a solo of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and over the next hour and a half the audience was entertained by the orchestra and Junior, Senior and Chamber choirs who were accompanied by a few boys from Worth School. The performances included ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘To Bethlehem’ and ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ to name but a few. The congregation was invited to join in with a number of carols, and Christmas readings from students in a range of years, as well as Headmistress, Mrs Aughwane, were also enjoyed. The evening maintained some aspects of a service, finishing with a reading from the Reverend Ian Prior which reminded everyone of the true meaning behind Christmas.

The evening was a wonderful way to end a year that began similarly with a Thanksgiving Service in Chichester Cathedral, and which has been full of many special centenary events, including the summer Festival Week.

Headmistress Mrs Aughwane said, “The whole evening was spectacular, from the inspiring music and singing from the 250 girls and staff involved in the orchestra and choirs to the amazing support from the girls, staff, parents and special guests who made up the appreciative audience. The event was a truly fitting finale to a memorable centenary year. Compliments showered down from all quarters. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved in putting together this concert which demonstrated so ably why we are all so proud to be part of the excellent school that is Burgess Hill School for Girls.”

Written by Kirsty Simons, Year 11

18/12/2006

Centenary Carols