Festival of Christmas Carols in HMP High Down Chapel

Suzanne and I were delighted to join a number of prisoners, prison staff and visitors for the Festival of Christmas Carols in the Chapel in HMP High Down.

The service was led by Canon Reverend Egerton Ghonda and The Advent Message was delivered by The Bishop of Guildford, The Right Revd Andrew Watson.

For many prisoners Christmas can be a particularly painful season, stirring memories of family, childhood and past choices. The carol service and the act of singing helps to uplift the heart and singing together breaks down barriers. We were led by a choir and musicians formed of prisoners that are coached weekly by Liberty Choir, a national charity dedicate to the rehabilitation of prisoners. Another charity, 2makeit, provides opportunities for creative expression including music, art and writing; and during the service a group of prisoners performed A Londinium Nativity which had been written by Canon Reverend Egerton Ghonda.

After the service we enjoyed refreshments and the opportunity to talk to some of the many prisoners who had attended the service.