The singing of carols at Christmas is important to the Choir especially as there is a strong tradition of singing local carols in South Yorkshire. The Choir plays its part in ensuring that the tradition continues by involving itself in concerts, carol services and impromptu sings around the South Yorkshire area.
Christmas 1982 heralded the publication of the Choir's "Blue Book" entitled "The Joy of Christmas" a collection of words and music of the very best of local and traditional carols. The "Blue Book" has been sold in its thousands, as far a field as the USA and Australia but is now out of print.
In 2000 it was noted that stocks of the “Blue Book” were almost exhausted and it was agreed to look at an updated version. Dave Elliott, the Choir’s Treasurer, offered to update the book and prepare new printing material. This carol book was first published in 1982 and was re-printed in the 1990’s. The second edition of our ‘Blue Book’ has now been published and is available.
This new edition uses the same numbering for the original carols as in the first edition. With the help of the late Michael Peaker, Elizabeth Hampshire, Keith Hoyland and the late Roy Bryan, the singing keys and harmonies have been amended. Symphonies, where appropriate, have been included plus we have also provided some background information on the carols where it is known. Additional carols have been included in the publication. The book also includes information about the Choir and there are copies of several Choir photographs that have been retrieved from the ‘archives’. The carols are written in the SATB format.
On behalf of ‘the team’ Dave would like to thank everyone who has helped with this project, particularly those individuals who have provided additional source material for the book.
The book is currently available at £6.00 per copy for the complete A4 version, or £2.00 per copy for the A5 Words only Version (See the order form for further details.). Please tell your friends and other choristers about this publication; you will be pleased with the quality and content.
To obtain copies, please complete our Order Form and send it to us along with your cheque. The address is shown on the order form.
Last Updated: April 22, 2008