St Mary with St Alban

The Christingle service and Sunday School play, The Little Drummer Boy, marked the start of the Christmas season. The story followed the Little Drummer Boy’s journey through the Holy Land until his arrival in Bethlehem, where in the stable he rediscovers the important things in life.

It was a heart-warming performance, led by clear, confident and sometimes comic narrators Philippa, Louisa, Joe and Rosie. The story was acted out by shepherds, animals, kings, Mary and Joseph and hordes of sparkling angels and stars. James Porter was marvellous as the drummer boy and the grown up Adam Woods slipped effortlessly between equally nasty roles. Unusually, this year no one fell off the stage.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the carols, which the children sang beautifully, the last one by the light of glow sticks from the Christingle oranges and to the sound of munching sweets.

A big team effort went into the production. Iain Bowman adapted the play and directed it with Sam Tasker, supported by an impressive and committed group of helpers. There are too many people to mention here, but particular thanks are due to Faith Morgan and Sean Roddie for the music and Lesley Alexander for the stage design. Thanks too, to the Teddington Bells for entertaining the audience before the service.

A record amount of £312.05 was raised for the Children’s Society.

Charlotte Studholme

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