Poignant carols start celebrations

Special readings given between songs were chosen from each century to reflect the journey that the school has made through the years.

The evening was opened by Canto Celeste and Rock Choir with a new song composed by Jim Clements called St Cuthman, the Boy with the Cart.

The song is about a shepherd boy who went begging with his mother in a barrow and her weight broke the rope at Steyning which is where he later built the church.

Mrs Alana Davidson, who has organised the service for the last 20 years, said: “We have reached an important part of our journey as a school in that we are reflecting on our past and anticipating, with joy, the year ahead in which our 400th anniversary as a school is going to be celebrated in a variety of ways within the school and the community.

“We are especially delighted that children from our local primary schools have joined us at the event for the first time this year.”

The annual service was held in St Andrew and St Cuthman Church in Steyning and members of the community, parents and pupils.

Headteacher, Nick Wergan, gave the first reading from the 17th century Isaiah, ‘The Prophets Foretell’.

He said: “The carol service was a very special and moving service.

“It brings all our community together and this year marks the start of our 400th anniversary celebrations.

“This is an important time for everyone associated with the school and reflects our Steyning way, building on our tradition of excellence but also preparing our students for their exciting futures.”

The Senior Vocal Group sang Gaudete, a 16th century song first published in Sussex and the Canto Celeste choir sang a version of Winter Wonderland accompanied by organist Brian Sawyer.

The evening ended with a final Christmas reflection given by Chaplin Reverend Peter Butchers.