Friday 4th December
St Petrocs Carol Service
Pipers: Nigel (Pipe Major), Alex, Rob, Ian, Tom G, Miranda, Keith G, David C, David T, Felicity
Drummers: Snare – Tom W, Geoff, John R, Chris, Tenor – Andrew, Fred,Bass – Keith I
There was a tune-up in the Kernow Club at 18.00 hours and by 18.45 hours the Members had arrived at Truro Cathedral in readiness for the St Petroc’s Carol Service. The Dress Code was Day Dress and it was a very good turnout of the Band with ten pipers and seven drummers. The weather was dry and windy and the Cathedral looked impressive in the floodlights with its decorated Christmas Tree and colourful street lighting. At 18.55 hours the Mayor of Truro and Deputy Lieutenant were received at the West door and escorted to their seats.
19.00 hours and the congregation stood as the Cathedral Procession of Bishops and Clergy was led by the Kernow Band down the centre aisle to the Nave of the Cathedral playing “Rainbow Country” and “Bluebells of Scotland”. There followed the Welcome and Introduction by Canon Dr Lynda Barley, Pastor and the Bishop of St Germans, President of St Petroc’s Society. Thanks were given to the Kernow Band, and comment was made that this was the first time they had been piped in by a Pipe Band. Thanks were also given to pupils, parents, and teachers connected with the school choirs. Mention was made of the homeless on the streets from Bude to Looe to Liskeard, sleeping anywhere with no place to call home. 75 bed spaces each night were filled. Their future help and well-being was at risk. The Bishop finished by saying on behalf of St Petroc’s “thank you for listening, good night and God Bless.” The congregation stood and sang “Once in Royal David’s City” and Prayers were said. The children of Bosvigo School then sang two carols before the First Reading. The congregation stood and sang “Silent Night” before the Second Reading and the children of Nanstallon Community Primary School sang the next two carols. The congregation clapped enthusiastically after the children sang.
“A Homeless Christmas” was read by the Faith Producer, at BBC Radio Cornwall before the Pipe Major of the Kernow Band played a solo introduction to “In the bleak mid-winter” and the congregation then stood to sing the carol.
It was 19.45 hours and after the Chief Executive of St Petroc’s Society gave his Address the Kernow Band played “Highland Cathedral” and “Last of the Great Whales”. The acoustics were amazing, the sound filling every corner of the Cathedral and there was enthusiastic applause from the congregation. There then followed emotional stories by the homeless, how they sought to overcome their hardships and the assistance they gained from St Petroc’s Society. After the Prayers of Intercession the congregation stood to sing “The First Nowell”.
The seven candles were lit and the Candle Prayer was said and the final blessing was given and the congregation stood while the Candle Procession departed followed by the Clergy. The Band gathered round the Christmas Tree in the Cathedral for a photoshoot before partaking of refreshments kindly provided by St Petroc’s Volunteers.
The Carol Service had been an uplifting experience, the speeches had been interesting and the stories of the homeless emotional. The children’s voices had been a joy to listen to and the Kernow Band had made a good lasting impression with their outstanding music in wonderful acoustics!
