NEWCASTleTON geared up for Christmas last Friday evening with a concert in the village kirk from Liddesdale Voices and Friends.
In spite of the bitter cold outside, there was a warm welcome inside, with mulled wine and mince pies for all and some quality musical entertainment from a group with wide-ranging talents.
Musical director Bob Love brought out the best in Liddesdale Voices, a choral group based in Newcastleton and the brainchild of Chris Dixon who was unfortunately not able to be present,
They were, however, ably accompanied by Mary Davidson at the piano and the evening was compered by John Simpson.
The programme started with lively carols, followed by the Carlisle Veterans Male Voice Choir Harmonica Band who played a selection of popular tunes. Amusing solos by Ken, Peter, Stewart and Charlie were much appreciated.
The undoubted highlight of the evening was the performance of Janice Moore who held the audience spellbound with Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cole Porter’s Every Time We Say Goodbye, Send in the Clowns and the beautiful traditional Irish air No Wind at the Window. Everybody joined in with I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas and Jingle Bells, and the dynamic duo of Bob and Mary rounded the evening off with a rollicking rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.