Child Bereavement UK Carol Service
Thursday December 13th 2012


Alexandra Kennedy and I were asked by Flappy Lane-Fox to perform at the Child Bereavement UK Christmas Carol Service at Holy Trinity Brompton. This was a huge honour and we were so thrilled to be involved in raising money and creating some festive magic for this important charity.


                                              Alexandra Kennedy and Oliver Gerrish
 

Soprano Natasha Marsh was in the green room when we arrived and she later sang two beautiful pieces. Phyllis Logan and Alen Leech were also there. They are both charming and not unlike their characters in Downton, although Phyllis is glamorous and youthful, in reality, and Alan calm and collected. They both read beautifully and the audience were visibly moved.

Oliver Gerrish, Alexandra Kennedy, Valder Freedman and Natasha Marsh

Oliver Gerrish, Alexandra Kennedy, Phyllis Logan, Venetia Appelbe, Alen Leech and Lottie Bostock

  

Alexandra and I sang Cesar Franck's 'Panis Agelicus' and the huge audience seemed to enjoy it. The Taplow Youth Choir sang beautifully; their rendition of Herbert Howell's 'A Spotless Rose' was my highlight. Amelia and Freddie Fox read wonderfully and conjured up the spirit of Christmas in their words.
The place really was packed for this charity and it is hard to imagine how Christmas must feel having lost a child. I am sure that the support of this charity makes many wounded lives far more bearable. Flappy and her committee are magnificent in their energy and commitment and it was such a huge honour to be involved this Christmas time. I would love to be asked back again!

Oliver Gerrish with Amelia and Freddie Fox

All images in this blog are under the copyright ownership of Oliver Gerrish