One reason why our own Carol Service was moved from 8th December was to allow our members to attend the Lord Mayor`s Service on that day. However, the disadvantage with such large virtual events is that no one has any idea as to who else might be watching.
Nevertheless at 5.30pm there was an introduction by Mark Holford, the Master Information Technologist, and some explanations about the work of the various charities being supported by this event. These included VOCES8 Foundation; WCIT (the Information Technologists own charity); the Lord Mayor`s Appeal (which supports several charities) and the Friends of City Churches.
This was followed by a message from the Bishop of London and a welcome from the VOCES8 Foundation, a vocal music education charity, who were providing the choristers for the evening. In addition there were explanations from those who had benefitted from support received from the substantial charity projects being provided by City Livery Companies.
The Service itself of 7 Lessons and Carols involved The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell; HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and the magnificent singing from VOCES8 recorded in the church of St Anne and St Agnes in Gresham Street.
For Vanessa and me it made a welcome introduction to our Christmas activities, enhanced by the fact that Vanessa is herself a Church Watcher with the Friends of City Churches and therefore felt part of the event.
Over the course of the evening we were transported from the strict confines of our own sitting room which has become far too familiar during the last 9 months and were able to enjoy this special Service which the Information Technologists had so professionally brought to us.
Richard Morris - Master
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