Westminster Cathedral was once again the beautiful setting for Woldingham’s Carol Service on Monday 12 December. In his address, Dr Whitehead said what a pleasure it was to welcome so many students, parents, families, staff, alumnae and invited guests, including from other Sacred Heart Schools, Digby College and representatives from the Sacred Heart Society, to celebrate the coming of Christmas during Woldingham’s special 180th anniversary year.

The cathedral was filled with the sound of a selection of beautiful music from Woldingham’s Amaris choir, including a piece written by Clemmie in Year 11. Amaris also joined with Year 7 to sing Daniel Kantor’s lovely Silent Night & Night of Silence. Our Chapel Choir sang the traditional Ukrainian Carol of the Bells and the choirs of the Sacred Heart college and schools and St Francis’ Catholic Primary, Caterham, joined Woldingham’s choirs to sing What the Angels Tell Me, by Gustav Mahler. The voice of Maya T in Year 7 could also be heard throughout a hushed Westminster Cathedral in a delightful solo opening verse of Once in Royal David’s City.

As well as through the communal singing of carols, the Christmas story was told by student readers, Head Girl Léonie, Poppy, Year 11, Mattie, Year 8, Sixth Former Pam and Sacred Heart Ribbon Isabella, and Mr Ross and Dr Whitehead.

The service was watched on the livestream by hundreds of people in the UK and around the world, including at the Sacred Heart-supported Laini Saba School in Kenya, which Woldingham has raised funds for over the past few years. A group of Woldingham students is due to visit Laini Saba School as part of a visit to Kenya next summer, accompanied by Mr Ross and Woldingham Chaplain Fr Gerry Devlin.

At the very special service, Fr Gerry reminded us that during this season of advent we are encouraged to reach out to one another, going the extra mile for those who need us most.