On the evening of Thursday 11th December 2014, The Island Free School hosted a candlelit carol service at Holy Trinity Church in Ventnor. The service was a huge success with a congregation of over 350 friends, family and community members packing out the Church. For once the term ‘not a spare seat’ was truly apt! Reverend Hugh Wright, who gave the sermon, commented that this was the largest congregation at the Church in living memory.

The evening began with mince pies and mulled wine at school, whilst the music scholars played well known carols prior to a 7pm service at the church. The service began with the school choir singing a beautiful rendition of Catherine Walker’s Winter Solstice. There followed readings by the Headmaster, pupils, governors and parents interspersed with carols and a fantastic rendition of Gaudete by the newly formed Boys Choir. Special mention must be given to Oliver Glanville for his vocal solo Walking in the Air and to Ted Henly for his trumpet solo Vois-tu La Neige Qui Brille.

I am sure all who were present would agree that the service brought a magical end to a first term which has surpassed all our expectations.