The Family Carol Concert

Bolton Choral Union Victoria Hall, Bolton DOREEN Crowther writes: If Saturday evening's concert had been rated on a feel-good factor scale, it would have scored 100 per cent. There were only a few empty seats in the Victoria Hall for Bolton Choral Union's festive fare. Under their popular conductor Michael Greenhalgh - a man who combines talent and geniality in equal measures - the choir members were in fine voice for such offerings as O Little One Sweet, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree and the enchanting Angelus ad Virginem written by Greenhalgh.

The singing of a Christmas Fantasy was deservedly well received.

Besses o' th' Barn Band, under conductor Derek Broadbent, were on top form with such popular numbers as How Great Thou Art with a terrific Flugelhorn solo by Janet Lewis. Paul Warder was wonderfully witty on Trombone in Frosty the Snowman.

Children from Walmsley C of E Primary School with conductor Judy Wright and accompanist Carol Tonge charmed the audience with Mary and Joseph's Song, Kings' Song, Stars' Song and He Came in Love.

There was plenty of opportunity for the audience to join in with the community carols and the much-loved White Christmas.

The evening finished with the uplifting O Come, All Ye Faithful.

A marvellous start to Christmas week.

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