A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

A traditional start to the Christmas Season.

The Rotary Club of Crowthorne, Sandhurst and Bracknell would like to invite families, couples and individuals from our local community to a traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols held in the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Wellington College, Crowthorne. 

This year we are pleased to have the Revd John Castle conducting the service and once agoin the Choir will be the Cecilia Singers lead by Director of Music Karen Philips. Stuart McSweeney will again be our organist. 

The Service is open to all and those need in mobility assistance including wheelchairs are welcome.

Origins of the Service.

The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols was originally conceived by Edward White Benson, who at the time was the Bishop of Truro. The inaugural service took place on Christmas Eve 1880 at Truro Cathedral. The service was created to offer a religious celebration that would attract people away from pubs during the festive season.

In 1918 the Dean of Kings College, Cambridge, Eric Milner-White, adapted the service and is the form most commonly known today. Milner-White's version was designed to bring comfort and hope after the horrors of World War 1. The adapted form features nine Bible readings interspersed with Christmas carols, hymns and choir anthems.

Beneficiaries.

Monies raised from this event will be used to support those in need at Christmas. In 2022, £1000 was raised and donated to the Rotary Club of Ukraine who were providing much need support and shelter to their Countrymen. In 2023, £1750 was raised for Shelterbox who provide temporary shelter for those impacted by conflict and natural disasters.

Obtaining your tickets.

Tickets are availble from our TickeTailor site using the link below of scanning the QR code.