An Illuminating Christmas Concert
Rotherham’s Talbot Lane Church is about to be seen in a totally different light – for one day only. Perhaps one of Rotherham’s best kept secrets is the sumptuously detailed stained glass altar window. Due to a huge tree allowed to grow outside the window, blocking out the morning sun, the 110 year old window has not seen the true light of day for many years. In 1959 there was an attempt to light the window using some in-effective domestic light bulbs. Today, modern technology can play it’s part and high intensity lighting is available to shine light into areas previously thought impossible.
As part of the Christmas Concert organised by the Rotary Club of Rotherham Sitwell at 7.15pm Thursday 8th December 2016, the altar window is to be illuminated by over 8000 watts of exterior lighting to illuminate the window and bathe the church in a kaleidoscope of colour. Andrew Bates, who is one of the event organisers and a Rotarian with Rotherham Sitwell said, “We have always installed theatre lighting to the INSIDE of the church to add to the event but lighting the stained glass windows from outside is going to look truly stunning and it will add a warmth into the church to make it a unique experience.”
The Talbot Lane Church Christmas Concert has been building a reputation over the past 4 years for a fun evening full of humour, singing and magical Christmas music played by some of the area’s finest musicians. Providing the music this year are championship section competitors The Unite the Union Brass Band (formerly the Stockbridge Steels Band). This is the same band who have been providing the Sunday concerts for Music in the Gardens in Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens for Rotary over the past 3 years. Event organiser and Sitwell Rotarian Graham Hudson said, “At only £5 per ticket we always set out to ensure a great value evening and make it something very special. This Christmas’ Concert will be something very special and all proceeds go to help some of Rotherham’s charities as well as Talbot Lane Church which is fighting for its own survival. Add to that the amazing Unite the Union Brass Band, and lighting the stained glass window from outside; this is a totally unique atmosphere and will be an event not to be missed”
Helping to stage the event is Burrow’s Toyota in Rotherham who are providing financial support and the special exterior lighting is being generously loaned by Quantum Construction & Rail Services of Maltby
£5 Tickets for this extra special concert for all the family (free entry for accompanied children under 11) include light refreshments on the night and can be obtained by calling 07968 829947 or 01709 835037