The tiny 144 year old St Mark’s Anglican Church at Marlee was filled to capacity for their annual Marlee Bush Carols Service held on Sunday December, 16, with the overflow sheltering under marquees during the storm that occurred during the Holy Communion Service in the evening.
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The increase in numbers was due to a surprise visit by the 25 strong Kiribati Youth for Christian Living (YCL) Brass Band who were visiting the area and staying with Stan Tonkins at his ‘Tirrintippin’ Ellenborough property.
The mainly male band that included two girls, who were on there first visit away from their island home, will be in Australia for five weeks appearing at venues in the Manning and other towns during this time.
The band, who had formed only seven months ago, and others enjoyed a barbecue tea before the carols began in the church with the band seated under a huge marquee alongside the church.
Carols and readings telling the Christmas story were enjoyed in the first half which was followed by the youngsters performing ‘Wombat Divine’ the story of the Nativity using Australian Bush characters under the direction of Kara Ford and at the conclusion of it the band played the carol ‘Away in A Manger’.
All present were treated to a beautiful rendition of ‘Silent Night’ by local lass Caitlyn Cameron who recently had been a cast member of ‘Les Miserables’ at the MEC.
During the second half the Kiribati YCL Brass Band performed several more numbers and included a stirring rendition of ‘Aussie Jingle Bells’ before the service closed with ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’.
Many thanks to Phil Rayson and Elaine Abbott for their talents on the electric organ to help all sing in tune.
A free will offertory was taken up during the singing of ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ and this was presented to the Band Master Doulos Lutu from Tonga to help the group with their expenses and travel during the tour of Australia.
A Thank you and Blessing to the band and all in attendance was given by Rev. Brian Ford of Wingham Parish.
By now the weather had taken a turn for the better but it was still damp underfoot, however all enjoyed a cuppa and supper by lights before it was time to say farewell.
Many thanks to driver Ron Hinshelwood who drove the Parish bus with nine passengers, including myself, to the venue and got us all there and back home to Wingham/Tinonee safely.