On Christmas Eve in Falmouth the weather was set fare and as usual the Harmony Choir (formerly Docks Choir) turned out in force and 200 plus singers paraded though the town, and true to tradition, entertained vast audiences from the Water Sports club to the moor with their excellent renditions of Cornish and traditional carols.

When we finish on the moor at 1pm the choir disperses to various venues throughout the town for a bite to eat and some liquid refreshments.

In my 45 years experience the most popular venue has been the Rugby Club where a free pint and a pasty is provided for the singers and a packed bar is generally full of banter, more singing, and a good catch up with persons probably not seen since last years event.

How desperately disappointing that on arrival we were informed that the club was shut because of a letter sent to the club informing them that no singers would be attending the club this year and as a result large numbers of personnel were turned away.

It is not clear whether the letter was sent by an individual or a committee. However, I wish to point out it would have been impossible for any individual or committee to arrive at that conclusion and the only way that this long standing tradition could have been brought to an end could only come from the Rugby Club, for instance if numbers dwindled to a point where it was not viable or suitable numbers of staff were not available.

In recent years the Club has been packed, indeed a lot of people who are unable to stand the crush in town go there to listen to the singing.

It is the perfect venue with plenty of room to do whatever sit, stand, listen, sing or to just get in a corner and reminisce with friends whilst at the same time putting some much needed funds into the clubs coffers.

As stated, many, from all parts of the county get in taxies or walk to the club for what is, a fantastic finale to a very enjoyable few hours but on this occasion a lot of people were left extremely disappointed with an incomplete celebration. 

To conclude I have two questions. Can someone enlighten us as to why the singers were not informed. It would have saved a two way taxi fare for many or a long walk uphill for others. Is anyone out there brave enough to own up to writing the letter to the club and why on earth did the Rugby Club (with many locals within) not question a decision that, at the very least was a very unlikely scenario. 

Yours sincerely,
Colin Kemp