Carols at the chapel

THIS Saturday evening’s carols service at St Martin’s Chapel in Blackwood promises to be a joyous community event.

The community carols and free sausage sizzle get started from 4pm tomorrow (20 December) and run through to 7.30pm at the local chapel in Martin Street.

The chapel is running the annual event sponsored and supported by the Blackwood Progress Association, aiming to bring local residents and families together to share some festive season cheer.

Getting the carols started, St Martin’s Chapel chair, Blackwood’s Fiona Ross is pretty well qualified to incite singing in public places as she is a Scottish folk singer and also specialises in sound healing and sound therapy to boot.

“People can just bring along picnic rugs if they wish, and bring along their voices and Christmas spirit,” Ms Ross said.

“It’s a lovely community event and we’re hoping a lot of families with young kids will come because this year is extra special as we’ve just received word that Santa will be visiting.

“We have a mix of much-loved traditional carols, all the old favourites like Hark the Herald Angels, Away In A Manger and Silent Night, plus contemporary Christmas songs as well to make sure everybody feels included and Christmassy.

“It starts with our sausage sizzle and it’s free. We really wanted to open it up for the community to encourage everybody to come along, just to say thank you to the community and encourage everybody to get into the Christmas spirit.

“People can also bring any additional refreshments along as well. It’s a very informal atmosphere and the setting is ideal. St Martin’s Chapel is beautiful and it is very much at the heart of the community.”