An Enchanting Evening: Festive Services at St Nicholas Church
Last Friday evening, the Radnor House Sevenoaks community gathered at the stunning St. Nicholas Church to celebrate the beginning of the festive season. In a truly magical setting, students from Years 3 to 13 came together to deliver two enchanting carol services, uniting the entire school in a shared celebration of music, tradition, and creativity.
The evening followed a traditional Christmas service format but included unique Radnor touches that highlighted the school’s ethos of celebrating individuality. A standout moment was a captivating solo clarinet performance by Charlotte in Year 5, who brought 'Mary’s Boy Child' to life, weaving it beautifully into the story of Jesus’ birth.
Bible readings, expertly delivered by pairs of Prep and Senior students, underscored Radnor House’s identity as a through-school. This collaborative approach was a moving reminder of the school’s emphasis on unity, with students from different year groups working together to bring the narrative to life.
The musical performances showcased the breadth of talent within the school. A young orchestra, composed of students from Years 3 to 8, delighted the audience with a stirring rendition of 'The First Noel'. Later, 105 Senior School students sang in perfect harmony for 'We Three Kings,' a display of musical dedication and teamwork.
Adding to the evening’s charm, the Year 5 and Year 6 choir performed a beautifully sung version of the lesser-known carol 'Love Shone Down'. This piece came with a special connection: it was recommended to the Prep Music Department by Gareth Malone, renowned conductor and star of BBC’s The Choir. Mr. Malone expressed enthusiasm for Radnor House’s vision of fostering a vibrant culture of singing across the school.
As the services drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with festive joy and a sense of togetherness. Reflecting on the event, Miss H. Barradell, Director of Performing Arts and Assistant Head Co-Curricular, said, “The carol services truly showcased the dedication, talent, and spirit of our students. We hope to see you all next year for another wonderful celebration.”
Wishing all members of the Radnor House community a joyful Christmas and a restful holiday season!
