Spirit of Christmas at Farlington

Pupils at Farlington have truly entered into the spirit of Christmas by raising money for good causes, participating in Christmas festivities and delivering chocolates to those more vulnerable in the community.
Farlington pupils get into the Christmas spirit SUS-141215-101510001Farlington pupils get into the Christmas spirit SUS-141215-101510001
Farlington pupils get into the Christmas spirit SUS-141215-101510001

The Senior School girls donated and delivered over 100 boxes of chocolates this week. These were brought in by the girls wrapped in House colours and were taken to St Margaret’s Court, Clemsfold House and Horsham Matters.

The staff and Senior girls joined together for a lively Christmas ‘sing-a-long’ on Wednesday morning featuring Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas. On Friday morning the Senior School was treated to some enthusiastic carol singing from girls in Reception and Prep 1 who toured the School with music teacher Mr Dallimore giving rousing renditions of Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

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Nursery, Reception, Prep 1 and 2 pupils enjoyed performing this year’s Nativity play, “Are We Nearly There Yet?”, a real feel-good performance that got everyone’s feet tapping. Children from the Nursery performed the parts of a variety of stable animals as well as Innkeepers who speak to Mary and Joseph. The Reception girls were adorned as sparkly angels and thoroughly enjoyed their romp during the song, “Faster than a Rocket”. Prep 1 and 2 girls performed the other parts in the story in which a family travels to Bethlehem on a walking holiday and witnesses the traditional Nativity story taking place.

Farlington Prep School’s Christingle service was held in the beautiful surroundings of St. Mary’s Church, Horsham. From the first carol, with Year 6 pupils processing up the dimly-lit aisle with their glowing Christingles, to the final triumphant “O Come, all ye Faithful” – complete with first verse in Latin and confident descant - the mood was at once dignified and joyous, with every member of Years 3 – 6 singing a variety of festive carols with tunefulness and confidence. The Bible passages were beautifully enunciated, even by the youngest reader, and the instrumental interludes - including harp and flute quartet - provided a delightful antiphony to organ and piano. A truly lovely start to the Christmas season and over £400 was raised for Chestnut Tree House.

The Senior Carol Service also in the majestic surroundings of St Mary’s Church, Horsham, is always a wonderful occasion, and this year was no exception. From the opening 70-strong candle-lit procession to the triumphant strains of the “Hallelujah Chorus”, complete with trumpets, it was an evening full of exhilarating and moving Christmas music from the four choirs and soloists, together with evocative and varied readings. Particularly impressive were two original choral items composed by A level pupils Olivia Middleton and Katie Wycliffe, adding a very personal touch to this joyful occasion. Over £100 was raised for the charity, Shooting Star CHASE.

The term’s festivities were rounded-off by a spectacular Christmas lunch for girls and staff, beautifully served by Headmistress, Louise Higson, and Assistant Headmistress, Mandy Higgs, with help from the Sixth Formers.

Report and pictures contributed by Farlington School.