Coventry Lord Mayor joins in Carol Singing

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Hazel Noonan, was one of over 400 people attending the annual Christmas carol concert at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Coventry. The concert was held, not just to celebrate the birth of The Saviour Jesus Christ but to help less fortunate children in the Coventry area. The people who attended the concert very generously donated toys, books and a wide variety of other gifts which The Rotary Club of Coventry Phoenix then forwarded to Valley House in Coventry.

Whilst the evening focussed on the singing of Christmas carols and recounting the Christmas story from The Bible, the highlight for many was the commemoration of the outbreak of World War 1, one hundred years ago. An account was given of what happened on that Christmas Day, a truce was honoured and soldiers from both sides exchanged gifts. As the day drew to a close, soldiers from both sides sang “Silent Night”. Joshua Furbank and Ryan Bassett sang for the audience in English and German – a very moving experience.

Keith Penfold, the leader of The Church in the local area said, “As well as remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, it’s right and proper that we remember the sacrifice made by so many brave people 100 years ago. We are pleased to be working once again with The Rotary Club of Coventry Phoenix in helping to bring a little joy and happiness to some of the less fortunate children in Coventry.”

John Clegg, President of The Rotary Club of Coventry Phoenix said, “It is heart-warming to see such generosity with so many presents being given. It has been a very enjoyable evening all round.”

Commenting on the evening, The Lord Mayor said, “The commemoration of the outbreak of World War 1 was unexpected, but very moving and thought provoking. The quality of the singing and musical performances were of a very high standard with the children’s performance stealing the show."