On Wednesday 18 December, it was a busy night for Old Stops, as we welcomed 30 of the Class of 2024 back to the School for our Christmas Drinks, then afterwards, headed to St George's Church for the Senior School Carol Service.

Class of 2024 Christmas Drinks

Despite the Stockport rain, a host of Old Stops who left the School in 2024 came back for the first time since A-Level Results Day. Sarah Capewell, David Stone and staff were in the Governor's Room (which was decorated for the occasion!) with drinks and nibbles, keen to welcome our latest leavers into the Old Stops community. 

There were chats about school days, and many stories shared of graduate schemes and first semesters at university. Most of the group then made their way down to St George's Church to the Carol Service, and join the school in celebrating this highlight in the school calendar. 

Senior School Carol Service

With over 50 Old Stops in attendance, it is clear to see that memories of this event last a lifetime.Punctuating the School Calendar in mid-December, it was time for the Carol Service at St George's Church.

There was not a seat to spare at the Senior School Carol Service as the congregation enjoyed performances from our talented choirs and readings from pupils from a wide range of year groups.

The service began with a welcome from the Chaplain before Chamber Choir delivered the first of their four songs of the evening, ‘Gaudete’ (Anon). The other pieces they performed were ‘A Boy Was Born’ (Todd), ‘Angels’ Carol’ (Rutter) and ‘Lullay My Liking’ (Holst).

Other ensembles to perform during the service were the Junior Chamber Choir who sang ‘All On A Silent Night’ (Slagle-Mayo), the First Year Choir with ‘Masters In This Hall’ (arr. Newlove) and Chorus who delivered ‘Ding Dong! Merrily On High’ (arr. Nicholson).

The audience in the packed-out church also flexed their vocal muscles with six congregational carols: ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’, ‘Good King Wenceslas’, ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’, ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’, and ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’.

Heads of School May Nassar and Sachin Gholkar, First Year Sam Faulkner, Second Year Joanna Oluwakayode, Fourth Year Josh Burgess, and Fifth Year Harriet Thomson offered up readings throughout the evening. The Head, Mrs Sarah Capewell also delivered a reading.

The organist for the evening was Mr Neil Taylor and organ music beforehand and in the voluntary was performed by Sixth Former Nathan Monk.

In Rev Liz Leaver's invite to Old Stops, she noted: "I may be biased but I think it's the best carol service in the North of England", and it was definitely clear to see from the joy being shared by attendees as the service came to a close.