Carols by Glow Stick in our local Community, Epsom

Lively locals light up Epsom

Sunday evening saw the little park on the corner of Manukau Rd and Ranfurly Rd come alive like a party on a village green. Over 400 people set up picnic blankets and enjoyed listening to their local school choirs and singing Christmas carols together.

Free songbooks and glow sticks were given out. Then the entertainment began with Congo-lines of kids joining and weaving around the natural amphitheatre of Marivare Reserve to a marching song sung by David Lyle Morris. Three young violinists, one from the local Open Brethren Church played “Pascha belles Canon” as we greeted neighbours and chomped on our takeaways. There was a magical quality to the sound of music soaring above our heads, trapped in the circle of the old trees before being set free in the blue sky.

We all joined in singing well-known carols. These were interspersed with items from the local schools. Cornwall Park Primary – dressed in bright Santa hats burst from the crowd nearly swamping Judy Inkster, who soon had them singing like angels. Epsom Normal Primary – were led with decorum by Lorraine De Marigny to sing some beautiful carols with lovely harmonising and solo parts. The girl’s choir from Auckland Normal Intermediate – reminded us of the much larger community that we belong to; with teacher Cat Wilson’s choice of “Feed the World”.

The highlight for me was when everyone stood and sang the National Anthem. It felt good to be a part the local community and good to live in this great country of ours.

The evening finished with a nativity play put on by the kids from the local Anglican Church and a blessing from the Baptist Minister. It was a very successful Christmas event organised by the Epsom churches for the local community.

Judy Carey

copyright 2008 © St. George’s Anglican Church Epsom