The first year the Carol Service of my old school, Balllymena Academy, was in St Patrick’s Parish Church was the year after I left. I remember three of us re-joining the “back row” of the choir to sing the familiar carols and other music that the choir was singing. It was lovely to be back among the senior choir and to do so.

This year, that Carol Service is not possible due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the musical members of Ballymena Academy have put together an online Carol Service via Youtube.

I am so pleased to see that the musical traditions of the school are continuing. Hopefully, the carol service in St Patrick’s will be back next year. I hope all members of the school community past and present have a very happy socially-distanced Christmas.