35th Carols on the Riverbank

On Saturday evening, December 17th, several hundred people gathered on the riverbank in Deloraine for a memorable event.

It was the 35th Carols on the Riverbank, the combined local churches’ Christmas gift to our community, and what an event it was!

First, there was the sausage sizzle. Then, as groups arrived, many with blankets, chairs and picnics, the program began.

The Meander Men, got things under way in their usual rollicking manner, finishing with their version of Lord of the Dance.

Then the Carols Choir took to the stage and led the crowd in the singing of some well-known and loved carols including O Come, All Ye Faithful and Away in a Manger.

Solos and duets came next with Charlotte and Cecilia Wickham and Hannah Beck.

Then the trio, Kat, Leanne and Shannon - and they all made quite a sound!

Master of Ceremonies, Rev Ray Robinson, arranged for a nativity scene photo-shoot which even included a real baby, along with characters of all ages in costumes.

And Ray explained to all the listeners the significance of gifts and giving in a Christmas context.

A special segment was then presented. Workers from Timor and Samoa have become familiar to Meander Valley residents in recent years and they brought their culture to the carols evening.

Dancers and singers from those two countries danced and sang in performances which were at times poignant and at times exhilarating and always enjoyable and memorable.

Of course, there was plenty more crowd singing – Mary’s Boy Child, Silent Night, Joy to the World and other carols.

And the evening finished with everyone wishing each other Feliz Navidad.

Thanks to all the people who organised such a wonderful event.