Hampton Hill Christmas Lights - 28th November.

As night fell in the Hamptons, little lights began to twinkle everywhere and there was an air of great excitement in the high street which was cleared for the arrival of you know who - that portly figure in red who appears as if by magic as the Christmas season approaches. Thameside Harmony were delighted to be part of the welcoming party for Father Christmas and his entourage, including the Mayor of Richmond herself, Cllr. Lee-Parsons, also splendidly robed in red and gold. The festive atmosphere of the parade was amazing and we were astonished to see the motley collection of decorative children and dogs, some with wings, sparkling lights and luminous headgear! When the drums ceased to beat, Thameside sang 'While Shephers Watched their Flocks by night' and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' outside the United Reform Church, our hosts for the evening.

Inside the Church there were some intriguing puppets, a monkey and a charming Miss Piggy lookalike with ringlets.
Our Carols in four part close harmony followed the puppets. They sounded lovely and one only had to look at the expressions on the faces of the listeners to know that they were thoroughly enjoying our performance. The new arrangement of 'Away in a Manger' with its undertones of gentle rocking went down particularly well. 'Silent Night' cast its spell - so quiet in the last verse, and when Herod the King made his stern appearance in Coventry Carol the startled audience were all attention.

There was a second puppet show with seasonal songs for the children which we all joined in heartily, followed by more carols from our Chorus Christmas repertoire, finishing with a delicate rendering of the prayer song Celtic Blessing. We made our way home happy with a song in our hearts and thinking that the spirit of Christmas has truly come to the Hamptons again this year.