WHILE songs of praise fill the Winsford air tomorrow night, the man leading proceedings will be reflecting on an eventful 2012.

Vicar of St John the Evangelist’s, Reverend George Crowder, presides over the mayor’s annual candlelight carol service on December 13.

The evening represents a fitting finale to a year that has seen him lead the town’s best-attended Remembrance Service in memory, as well as the more unusual task of delivering a sermon while on a waltzer, during the Salt Fair celebrations in August.

George said both events were symptomatic of a year that has seen faith play a strong civic role in Winsford.

“Winsford Town Council, and the mayor Steve Smith, have virtually reinvented the position of the mayor’s chaplain this year,” said George.

He added: “We’ve had a fabulous time. The church has grown and changed in profile, with lots of new young people attending.

“Being involved with so many different organisations has been very special. We’ve worked very closely with schools, councillors and charities.”

In a year of firsts, George said it was fitting that the traditional mayor’s carol concert would this year have a ‘contemporary twist’, featuring performances by children from Greenfields Primary School, The Winsford E-ACT Academy, an eight-piece brass band and local soloist, Sam Lyon.

Mayor, clr Steve Smith, and consort, clr Mark Baker, will perform church readings.

The free event, on between 7-8pm at St John’s on Delamere Street, is open to all members of the public. An optional collection will raise money for the mayor’s charities – WINCAP and the Sumatran Tiger Trust.

“It’s going to be a wonderful celebration; a blend of a traditional Christmas concert with contemporary elements,” promised the mayor.