Carols in the capital for County Boys Choir
Thirty boys from Warwickshire County Council’s Boys Choir entertained members of parliament yesterday as they sang at venues across Westminster.
On the back of a string of high profile performances the boys were in London with choir director Garry Jones to perform at Westminster Cathedral for national charity HCPT Pilgrimage Trust’s carol service.
Before the early evening service they had been invited by Warwickshire MPs, Chris White and Marcus Jones to take a personally guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. Jeremy Wright assisted to allow access the full group including parents and helpers.
The tour included a visit to the ancient and the Queen’s private chapel of St Mary Undercroft which is closed to the public and access is only permitted by Black Rod. The boys were allowed to sing ‘Silent Night’ in there to the host MPs.
“We saw lots of famous people walking around and were treated like VIPs – we couldn’t believe it,” said Angus Fitzsimons aged 13 from Rugby.
Patrick Shannon aged 14 from Coventry said: “Everyone was really friendly – even the police with guns chatted to us!”
However an even greater treat was in store for the boys when they learnt that the Prime Minister’s Office had allowed them to visit Downing Street to give a carol concert outside Number 10 where they sang four unaccompanied carols to a delighted audience of politicians and staff from the Prime Minister’s Office.
“I sang a solo right in front of the Prime Minister’s front door which is not something I’m likely to forget,” said Warwick’s Sam Tugwood, age 11.
Nine year-old Tim Dowden, also from Warwick, added: “I had a great day, it was so exciting visiting places that people can’t normally go and singing on Downing Street.”
The boys ended a triumphant day with a superb performance in front of 1000 people in the famous Cathedral, and returned home late, exhausted, but triumphant after such an amazing day.
Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White concluded: “The choir put on a marvellous performance outside No 10, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us who were listening. I am pleased we were able to show them around Westminster and hope they enjoyed their visit.”