On Saturday the 14th of December ‘Classics @ Kippen’ put on a ‘Christmas Celebration’ in Kippen Parish Church. After weeks of election mania and with the Christmas stress fast approaching it was so good for us all to take a bit of time out and have a change of focus! Such is our following that we now have a committed audience who come from all around and, despite foul weather and the lure of a cosy night in watching the final of ‘Strictly’ on TV, we were absolutely delighted to welcome over 200 people to this event. According to all reports, the audience was not disappointed and was well rewarded with a beautiful programme of Christmas words, music and carols presented by 5 singers, 2 readers, 2 brass players, a pianist and an organist all from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The church was beautifully decorated for Christmas, the stage was set and, for the first time, we were able to use our new theatre lights (which we bought with the proceeds of our last concert) which made a huge difference to the ambience and overall performance. The atmosphere was wonderful, and I think it’s safe to say there was something in the programme for everyone. The concert opened with classics from Handel’s Messiah and musically journeyed through some seasonal art song, favourite Christmas songs and audience carols finishing with the usual ‘cheesy’ Hollywood numbers which everyone loved. The readings brought an added dimension and were both thought provoking and funny ranging from Dickens and Pam Ayers to some very moving ‘Letters to Santa’ and culminating in the poignant ‘In Memoriam’ by Tennyson, which is surely in itself a message for our time. (Do look it up if you don’t know it). The audience had a great time but so did the students. They always love coming to Kippen. Not only are they fed incredibly well, (students will do most things for good food!) and spoiled rotten over the weekend, they also love having the opportunity to perform and a C@K concert is fast becoming a sought after and very desirable ‘gig’! We were also thrilled that the school really enjoyed using the staging after the concert for their end of term concert and church service and are delighted that the lighting and staging is a community asset for everyone.
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this event happen. Thank you all so very much. You know who you are.
We are also delighted to announce that we raised £3200 for our designated charity which this time was the ‘Start Up Stirling Christmas Appeal’. This hopefully will have made a huge difference to those in our area who struggle to make ends meet, not only at this time of year but all year round.
People always ask me when the next event will be. I never know the answer to that but, rest assured, there will be something on the horizon in the not too distant future. Watch this space! If you want to be added to our mailing list, please do so via our website classicsatkippen.co.uk
Kathleen McKellar Ferguson (Coubrough)
The Wee Vine 