It’s time to put the Christmas sprouts on to cook, and so it’s an equally perfect time for a concert of carols, festive music, and poems.
There are many to choose from, but one of the hottest draws in 2023’s seasonal calendar is in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity featuring the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir and the SSAFA Brass Ensemble on Saturday 2 December in Stirling.
Mary Kenyon, Branch Chairman Forth Valley, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that West of Scotland Military Wives Choir will be performing in Stirling for us, bringing its unique blend of style and repertoire to what promises to be an exciting, and I dare say moving, afternoon of festive songs, readings, and companionship.
“Military Wives Choirs has done so much in its magical first decade to bring companionship and support – values of course shared with SSAFA – to women whose serving spouses are deployed far from home overseas.”
As well as the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir, the SSAFA Brass Ensemble will join take part for pieces featuring both and each alone. Included in the concert will be the traditional opening carol of Once in Royal David’s City, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and O Holy Night, as well as a host of other pieces for the audience to sing.
There will also be a reading by Lieutenant Commander Paul Henke, late the Royal Navy, of the emotive poem Home for Christmas by Robert Louis Stevenson. Thomas Scott, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, will read Christmas Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Mary added:
“This concert is a great way to celebrate Christmas and support our Armed Forces at the same time, remembering the sacrifices made during conflict and during peace, so please join us if you can.”
The concert, with refreshments, takes place at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Albert Place, Stirling FK8 2RG on Saturday, December 2 at 3pm.
Admission is £5, and free for children under 10. Tickets are available on the at the door, or to reserve, call 01786 870360.
For more information about the branch’s work supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families, or to volunteer, visit ssafa.org.uk/forth-valley.
