Almshouses residents on a high with Christmas lunch and singing by students

A SCHOOL a capella group performed for guests at the Henley Municipal Charities’ Christmas lunch.

Students from Wellington College in Crowthorne sang a variety of Christmas pop songs and carols for the residents of the town’s almshouses for which the charity is responsible.

The event was held in the Chantry House, next to St Mary’s Church in Hart Street, where guests were served a traditional meal provided by Pavilion Foods. The residents of the almshouses in Church Avenue, Vicarage Road and Western Close were joined by the charities’ trustees and Father Jeremy Tayler, rector of Henley with Remenham.

The Wellingtones were led by the school’s musical director Simon Williamson and performed All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey, Mary Did You Know by Buddy Greene and carols including Silent Night and We Three Kings. Mr Williamson said: “It has been a great treat to come here and sing for you all. This lot have missed one lesson but if you could have arranged for us to come a bit earlier they could have missed more!”

John Batty, of Church Avenue, said: “I thought it was exceptional, I didn’t realise that notes that high were even achievable.”

Julia Hayes, of Vicarage Road, said: “I loved it, absolutely loved it, they were fabulous. The high notes were brilliant.”

May Brandwood, 92, was there with her friend Marjorie Scott, 95, who has lived next door to her for 23 years.

She said: “We are always around each other’s houses. She rings me up to ask, ‘Are you coming over for a natter?’”

George Thomas, a trustee, said: “I help run the charity and this is always a highlight. I really enjoy it. It’s nice to have it in such a great location in the Chantry House. It’s an incredible building and we are very lucky to use it.”

The charities not only look after the almshouses but also provide funding for education and financial support for families and individuals in need.

Trustee Peter Ashby said: “The way society is going at the moment there have been a lot of people getting into trouble financially. What’s been quite nice this year is we’ve been able to help all sorts of people in different ways.”

He thanked the trustees for their hard work looking after the buildings and paid special tribute to Wendy Bowsher, their clerk.

Dr Ashby said: “Wendy has to work very hard — she’s always there and we are lucky to have that.”

He also thanked Pavilion Foods for the catering.