Volunteers host Carols by Candlelight content
Volunteers hosted ‘Carols by Candlelight’ at Swinton Park to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research earlier this month.
The event was organised by the charity’s Ripon Volunteer Group, and guests were treated to a stunning performance of Christmas carols, lit by candlelight, in the stately home’s library and gallery.
Bridget Taylor-Connor, Chair of the group, said: “We’re so grateful to the Earl and Countess of Swinton for giving us the opportunity to host this wonderful event.
“Everyone who attended was really generous, and we’d like to thank everyone who supported us and helped make the evening so successful.”
The event was organised by volunteers Christopher Bennett, Denis Tarter and Cathy Kitchingman.
The carols were sung by the ‘Yorkshire Decibelles’, a female vocal group who perform across North Yorkshire, and ‘Yorkshire Voices’, a chamber choir of local professional singers. Both groups are led by Ruth Sladden, who is the first female Lay Clerk at Ripon Cathedral.
Bridget continued: “It was a privilege to have the choirs perform to help raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research. From the carol singing lit by candles, to the procession through the gallery to the dining hall, to the wonderfully lit Christmas tree, it was all delightful and very atmospheric.”
As well as the performance, the evening included a sit-down meal, a silent auction that included items such as golf lessons, watercolour paintings and guided tours of Swinton Park, and a raffle.
The evening is one of many events hosted by the Ripon Volunteer Group, which was first formed in 1975 and has since raised more than £500,000 to help fund research in Yorkshire.