In early September, The Revd George Crowder, vicar of St John's, Over was standing outside of his church chatting with a member of the congregation, Stuart Lamb. They were having a conversation that will echo among other vicars and parishioners; "What can we do to celebrate Christmas?"
Stuart came up with the idea of having a Drive-in Choir. It was something that they'd never done before and as they explored the idea further, they began to realise that achieving this was going to much more of a logistical task than they had initially thought. "But how where, when?"
They'd need a place that could accommodate people in cars. "OK. A car park", "What car park?", "How do we get a car park?"
They also had to consider organising a stage, lighting, and car park marshalls, etc. And then the big question; "How are we going to fund this?" All of these things cost money, significantly more than a normal Christmas carol service. It probably wasn't something they could afford to do. And this is where they might have called it a day.
During George's time in his parish, he has invested considerable time building relationships with people and organisations that extend well-beyond the grounds of the church. George says; I know people at the local council and it occurred to me that I should talk to them about the idea."
Due to Covid, Winsford Town Council hadn't run a public event for months. George suggested to the council that they might like to consider putting on a choir service and that St John's would be able to organise it on their behalf. It was an arrangement that the council found very attractive and so they agreed to put on a Drive-in Choir for the benefit of the whole community.
It's a testament to the people at St John's that they didn't give up on their idea when the costs of running such an event were prohibitive. They looked at it from a different perspective. They might not have had the money, but they had the most valuable asset of all to work with, members of the congregation, trusted contacts, relationships with council employees. And that's why this isn't so much a story about a carol service, but one of a church's community engagement, worthy of singing their praises about.
You can see the press release from Winsford Town Council below
WINSFORD DRIVE-IN CAROL SERVICE
Winsford Town Council are delighted to put on a unique and uplifting festive celebration this month. With no community events in the calendar this year due to coronavirus, there was a real need for something special and a bit different. Winsford Town Council have joined forces with St John’s Church and Cheshire West and Chester Council to pull together a fun and meaningful experience for Winsford residents.
Town Mayor, Councillor Don Beckett, will open proceedings on stage with words of welcome and a reading. Traditional Carols will follow, led by Nicola Howbrigg and members of Anyone aloud choir. Children from Over St John Primary School will give two of the readings and sing Away in a Manger in their nativity garb. The Rt. Rev. Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead will also share a Christmas message and a prayer. To add to the fun, the organisers are offering a prize for the best decorated car.
The event will take place in Winsford Academy car park at 6pm on Sunday 13th December. Booking is now open through Eventbrite. Arrivals are staggered at 15 minute intervals and marshals will direct people to their parking places. Everyone in the audience will be required to stay in their cars. Marshals will be on hand to escort people to the toilets if necessary. This is a strictly car only event and no pedestrians are allowed.
If you live locally and have any questions or concerns about this event please contact Winsford Town Council.