With the Community Centre Hall decorated with two large Christmas trees and a giant snowman, the Christmas festivities were launched at the Annual Council Carol Concert on Sunday (4 December).

There was a warm welcome for the audience of residents, parents and friends of those taking part who joined in the singing of many favourite carols.

The Concert was lead by the South Kent Community Church who were joined by the Hawkinge and Churchill Primary School pupils who entertained the audience singing in their choirs and playing carols on recorders.

Readings were given by  Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Tony Hutt, Alison Boddington, the Baptist Church Minister, Faith Newman from South Kent Community Church and John Sherwood, a Community Centre Trustee.

The event was closed by the new Town Mayor of Hawkinge, Cllr David Callahan, who thanked everyone for attending.

The audience at the Carol Concert

He said: “I am pleased to be able to provide and be part of an event which brought local people together.

"The contributions from Hawkinge Primary and The Churchill School was one of the most valuable assets of the Carol Concert”.

Thanking the children and teachers for their hard work, Cllr Callahan invited everyone to stay for a drink, mince pies and Christmas cup cakes for the children.

The successful concert was again organised by Community Centre boss Colin Tearle.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©