The annual Christmas Evening Meeting is an enchanting opportunity for the community to join together in Main Hall and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. The gathering hear beautiful carols sung by our talented students, listen to pieces played by the assembled orchestra and by a selection of our soloists and small ensembles, as well as hearing readings relating to the festive season. The programme is punctuated throughout with moments of silent reflection, reminding us of the values of Quakerism at the heart of the school’s ethos and providing space for everyone to consider the importance of the season in their own way.
The time and date, always 7.00pm on the last Sunday night before the end of the autumn term, were honoured and the audience concluded their traditional experience, as ever with mince pies and communal carol singing in the Upper Foyer.
Jessica Wittert van Hoogland, Head of Drama and Dance, who organised the readings, commented: “This year’s readings reflect on how we can all find and offer peace, kindness, cheer and love this Christmas without seeking it in glittering wraps, or material goods. We can all look within ourselves for grace and compassion – gifts we can share.”
One enthusiastic audience member commented, “Christmas Evening Meeting is such a special occasion. When everyone is so busy rushing around, going to celebrations or preparing for more of them, it’s really valuable that the school has provided a chance for us to reflect on the spirit of Christmas in a quieter way together and to share that as a community.”
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