www.mybracknell.co.uk
COMMUNITY
december 2023
9
Binfield Community Choir: The heart of the Binfield Christmas Market celebration WORDS BY NICK MARR PHOTOS BY PETAR STIPANOVIC
T
he Binfield Christmas Market, held at The Foxes Den, was a delightful event that brought the community together in a festive celebration. This one-day extravaganza featured an array of holiday delights, including mulled wine, Christmas clothing, jams, cakes, and an atmosphere filled with holiday spirit. The market transformed into a winter wonderland, capturing the essence of the season and providing a perfect setting for community gathering and celebration. Binfield Community Choir’s performance Amidst this festive backdrop, the Binfield Community Choir emerged as the highlight of the event. Their enchanting performance of traditional carols and heartwarming holiday tunes added a layer of magic to the market. The choir’s involvement in the Christmas Market went beyond entertainment; it created a sense of Christmas magic, resonating with everyone present and making the event truly memorable.
Origins and mission of the Binfield Community Choir Established in November 2021, the Binfield Community Choir was founded as a response to the isolation felt during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative by volunteers from the local community aimed to create a space for socializing, making friends, and enjoying the unifying power of music. The choir has since been a beacon of hope and togetherness, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for people to come together and sing.
ing from surrounding areas like Ascot, Windsor, Wokingham, and Bracknell. This diverse membership adds to the rich tapestry of voices and experiences within the choir, enhancing its communal spirit. Regular meetings and accessibility Meetings are held every Monday evening during the school term at 8 PM in Foxes’ Den. The choir emphasizes inclusivity, with no auditions or requirements for previous singing experience or reading sheet music. Their sessions, which include a break for tea, coffee, and cake, are about 1.5 hours long, and are booked in halfterm blocks at an affordable cost.
Membership and diversity The choir is primarily composed of Binfield locals, with members also join-
Community engagement Apart from singing, the choir actively contributes to the community, supporting local events, visiting care homes, and participating in charity events. These activities reflect their commitment to giving back and enriching the lives of those around them.
he community in Winnersh all came together for their annual light switching-on ceremony. The centre in Bearwood Road was filled to bursting with children, parents and locals for the official start of Christmas. Children from Winnersh, Bearwood and Wheatfield Primary Schools all performed Christmas carols while the Barbarettes represented the adults. There were stalls selling all manner of gift ideas including hand-knitted crafts, jewellery, Christmas decorations, lotions and potions, festive wreaths and much more. St Catherine’s Church were providing refreshments including hot chocolate and biscuits while the 1st Winnersh
beavers, cubs and scouts were doing a sterling job outside in the freezing cold running the barbecue. Borough Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland was on hand to flick the switch to light up the area and there was also a fire dancer. John Southgate, chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee on Winnersh Parish Council was delighted with the turnout. “This is the first time we have done this on such a large scale. We were hoping for a good turnout, and we have not been disappointed. The main focus of the event is to bring the community together but we are also raising money for the Wokingham Foodbank.”
A symbol of community harmony The Binfield Community Choir’s participation in the Binfield Christmas Market is a testament to their role in the community, not just as a group of singers, but as bringers of joy and unity. Their contribution to the Christmas Market and other community events is a reflection of their ongoing commitment to enriching the community through music and fellowship. As they continue their journey, the choir remains a cherished part of Binfield, spreading joy and unity with every note they sing. Join them binfieldcommunitychoir@gmail.com
Mayor kicks off Christmas in Winnersh T
