Annual Cloud 9 Service in Gloucester

The annual Gloucestershire Cloud 9 Carol Service took place at the Gloucester Salvation Army hall on 7 December 2007.

The serviced opened with the Senior Band playing the march The Wonder of Christmas. This was followed by a welcome and a short message from Liz White and the lighting of two candles, one representing all of the children who have been involved with the Cloud 9 charity in the past and the other in memory of a young girl connected with Cloud 9 who, sadly, recently passed away.

The Active8 Puppets led the large congregation through the service and the singing of many carols, including Hark, the Herald Angels, We Three Kings, Mary’s Boy Child and Calyspo Carol (the latter with audience percussion participation).

During the service the Songsters presented two songs, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy and How Far Is It to Bethlehem?. The band played the rumba-style item Christmas Calypso and bandsman and all-around performer Tom Elliot entertained with Freddie Bear and sang a solo.

Rev. Marilyn Sharland shared a thought for Christmas before the band concluded the service with the march Christmas Joy. Mince pies and other refreshments were enjoyed in the community hall after the service.