Carol Singers
Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago but these were pagan songs sung at the Winter Solstice celebrations as people danced around stone circles. The word carol means dance or a song of praise or joy and they used to be sung during all four seasons but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has survived. Before public carol singing became popular bands of official singers called Waits were lead by important local leaders . The name Waits originated as they only sang on Christmas Eve which was also known as Watchnight or Waitnight because of the shepherds watching their sheep when the angels appeared to them and the Christmas celebrations began
Here in the Algarve there is a group which raises money for charity and keeps fit at the same time. The Silves Keep Fitters meet every week at the gym of the Silves Football Club. The mixed group of all ages and fitness levels are put through a gentle programme of flex and stretch incorporating tai chi and yoga by Pat Hitchinson. For the past eight years they have been raising money for Castelo de Sonhos, in particular the baby starter packs for young ,single mothers and poor families . Along with other fund raising events they have formed a Christmas choir. This has grown over the past twelve years since Pat led a group of carol singers around the streets of Armação ending the evening by singing carols in front of the church. Now they are in popular demand
For only €3 per session Pat would be delighted to see new members from 1030 – 1130 each Wed morning. Getting involved with this group would be good for you and good for charity – what more could you ask for ? 91 931 8030
You can meet and hear this friendly group at the NETWORK Christmas Fayre on Dec 1st at the Hotel Garbe as they are the Carol Singers who will be heralding the arrival of Father Christmas and singing during the fayre.
Verna Kinder
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