Carols And Christmas Songs Sung With Joy On Stoughton Green

Published on: 14 Dec, 2012
Updated on: 17 Dec, 2012

There was a distinct village feel at Stoughton Green on Friday evening where several hundred members of the community came together to sing carols and popular Christmas songs.

Carols on the Green in Stoughton on Friday, December 14.

The earlier atrocious weather had abated, and although it was a bit windy, the rain held off and everyone had a enjoyable time taking part in the community singing.

Song sheets for Carols on the Green were provided, and people brought torches to help see the words. Traditional carols included O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Ding Dong Merrily on High, and In The Bleak Midwinter, as well as festive songs such as Jingle Bells, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday and Merry Xmas Everybody.

The band at Carols on the Green.

Music was provided by musicians from Emmanuel Church, Stoughton, led by its curate, the Rev’d Patrick Butler, who sang and played guitar.

There was also a dance routine by Deogloria, based at Emmanuel Church, and Away In A Manger was sung by members of the 3rd and 5th Stoughton brownie packs.

The Christmas tree was supplied by Mark Havler, Surrey Wildlife Trust countryside ranger for the Worplesdon group of commons.

The Christmas tree was supplied by Mark Havler, Surrey Wildlife Trust’s countryside ranger for the Worplesdon group of commons.

Afterwards there were free refreshments inside Stoughton Methodist Church, on the corner of Stoughton Road and Grange Road, opposite the green.

There people sat and chatted no doubt remarking on a lovely evening that was full of Christmas cheer and community spirit. While there they listened to pianist Ben Croft’s delightful playing of seasonal tunes.

There was also a raffle with 12 prizes and a visit by Father Christmas, who gave presents to younger members of the community.

Brian Holt and Sheila Willis draw the raffle.

The second event of its kind, the first being held in 2011, was organised by community groups, agencies and residents. The leader of which was community stalwart Jan Cook. Her husband, Paul, also put into a great deal of work in making the event a success.

Once again Jan and Paul said they were thrilled with the turn out and the warm atmosphere, despite it being a cold night!

Below are more pictures from the night.

Jan and Paul Cook.

Neighbourhood Watch representative Raineee Wornham and community safety warden Andy Coumbe.

Dance routine by Deogloria.

Singing along by torchlight.

Members of the ‘refreshments team’ at Stoughton Methodist Church.

Guildford borough councillors Pauline Searle and Wendy May.

Neighbourhood specialist officer for Stoughton, PC Janet Ville, meets Father Christmas.

Responses to Carols And Christmas Songs Sung With Joy On Stoughton Green

Brian Holt Reply

December 15, 2012 at 12:07 am

Thank you to everyone who came along to support our Carols On The Green evening.
Again over 300 people turn out on a day when the weather had been wet and windy although it had stopped raining for our carols.
The lantern parade had to be cancelled, but the committee thought it was a very successful evening once again. And your support shows that the Stoughton community enjoy all coming together to sing carols.
Thank you to Jan Cook and her husband Paul who idea it was. We hope to back again next year.
Sheila Willis Reply

December 15, 2012 at 9:02 am

Brilliant report David. It was such a lovely evening with so many happy people. Loved the photo of the Christmas tree lit up against the Stoughton sign. Really reflects the spirit of Christmas in Stoughton.
Jan and Paul Cook Reply

December 15, 2012 at 5:58 pm

David, WOW! What can we say, what a fantastic evening, Paul and I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone that helped make the evening possible, not forgetting all the wonderful people that turned out to join us in singing Christmas carols on the Green. Each year I get overwhelmed by the support and the fantastic buzz that our evening brings, what a way to bring people together, a true community spirit. Merry Christmas.
Jan and Paul.
PS Hope to see everyone again next year.
Ben Croft Reply

December 17, 2012 at 1:25 pm

Yeah Very good. A bit disappointing however to the fact that everyone has a mention except for the piano player inside the church. Myself Ben Croft played for the community inside and not small thanks for that. Perhaps next year they can find another musician to play inside the church and don’t forget to thank them. A small thanks of appreciation wouldn’t go a miss. Thanks.

Editor: Well, belated thanks to you Ben. I heard you playing as we came into the hall for tea and cakes and I must say what I heard was very good indeed. I have now added your name and contribution to the story and being on a website it will continue to get read and most likely re-read. Have a good Christmas.
Melanie Parfitt Reply

December 17, 2012 at 1:56 pm

What a lovely evening it was. The carols were the popular carols that everyone knows together with some of the chart christmas songs. I will look forward to attending again next year. A great team who put the night together, thank you.
Mel
Brian Holt Reply

December 17, 2012 at 3:39 pm

I would like to say thank you to Ben Croft the entertainer, who played the piano while everyone was having refreshments.
His music was enjoyed by all of us.

Thank you to all the local shops who donated prizes for the raffle.
Raineee Wornham Reply

December 17, 2012 at 4:38 pm

It was a awesome night and I am so proud to of been part of it!
I must say a huge thank you to all the local shops for their support by donating gifts for the raffle – Jean’s florist, the Co-op, butcher Ray Rowley, Penny’s hairdresser, to name but a few! And the wonderful cake makers!
Ben, we truly had not forgotten you! You played beautifully and I hope you will be a welcome addition to next year’s Carols on the Green!
A huge thank you to the ladies of St John Ambulance who came along to give their support.
And to everybody who gave so kindly to their collection buckets, both ladies told me they have never seen such kindness and a community spirit that touched so many people!
Thank you David Rose for covering the event for us, the pictures are, as always, fantastic (apart from the one of me)!
Happy Christmas and a very happy new year to you all.