Rhesycae Children bring the Christmas story to the Home Front

In a highly original performance the children of Ysgol Rhesycae connected the Christmas story with work they have been doing on life on the Home Front in the Second World War

Rhesycae Children bring the Christmas story to the Home Front

Ysgol Rhesycae reminded us that there is more to Christmas than presents and food

Billed as "War Angels", the children performed in front of a gathering of friends, family and school governors in Christchurch on the evening of Tuesday, 15th December. 

091215 Rhesycae Concert children

The performance began in a traditional way with the nativity scene but then, with angels sent "into the future" to the 1940s, we were introduced to Christmas during war-time with the voice of Neville Chamberlain telling us that we were now at war.

The children sang songs such as White Christmas and Run Rabbit and described the rationing and war-time life.  The chilling sounding of an air raid siren and the Warden's cry  "Put that light out" made the occasion even more evocative and thought-provoking.

091215 Rhescae Concert BackdropAgainst a "set" containing contemporary items such as a wireless and an excellent picture of aeroplanes flying above a town, the children sang beautifully and were confident in delivering their lines.  The teachers had clearly done a great deal of work with the children who were wonderfully dressed in period costumes.

The evening ended with the children, teachers and audience (congregation?) singing Hark the Herald Angels Sing, before the children changed back into civvies and were taken home by delighted parents, family and friends who all enjoyed the performance.

091215 Rhesycae Concert parents

Thank you to staff and pupils of Ysgol Rhesycae for a wonderful event.

Ysgol Rhesycae is a Church in Wales School.  Further information can be obtained from the Chair of Governors, The Rev'd Hugh Burgess or the Headteacher, Mrs Tracy O'Hare.

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