News

A carol concert described as brilliant was marred by comments made by a parish councillor.

The comments made at the annual carol concert held in the Hawkinge Community Centre, by Cllr John Heasman have angered the Churchill School.

A visitor to the event said that Cllr Heasman told the audience that the Churchill School were not attending as they declined an offer to come, and the teacher who would have been responsible for the pupils had to be at home to do her shopping, washing and ironing.

It is understood the school considered the two hour long concert, which did not have an interval, too long for their young pupils. An agreement could not be reached with organisers so the school made the decision not to attend.

Cllr Heasman, who is vice chairman of the parish council, has organised the concert for many years. Speaking to the Hawkinge Gazette today (6 December) he said: "I apologise personally if this caused any offence.

"I organise the concert to bring the community together."

Parish council chairman David Callahan is writing to the school on behalf of the parish council to offer an unreserved apology.

More than 200 villagers attended the popular concert and enjoyed singing their favourite carols. They were entertained by the Hythe Town Military Band, and pupils from Hawkinge and Selsted schools.

Cllr Heasman described the event as brilliant and said he was very pleased. "I would like to thank all the people who helped to make the concert a success," he said.