Despite snow lying deep and crisp and even, Salisbury Wassailers defied the weather on Saturday to celebrate the coming of Christmas with a Wassail Dinner at Salisbury City Hall. The much-loved tradition of a Salisbury Wassail was re-launched by surgeon Charles Ranaboldo and the Salisbury Medical Society to raise money for the Stars Appeal. For many years the event was hosted by the St John Singers choir and raised thousands of pounds for charity. For the past four years the Wassail has taken place in Salisbury's Guildhall but this year returned to the City Hall with its traditional recipe of singing and feasting.The St John Singers were on hand to perform a programme of carols to entertain guests. But disaster nearly struck when heavy snow prevented guest soloist Gaynor Keeble from reaching Salisbury from her Oxfordshire home. Fortunately, worthy replacements were found at the last moment in the form of ex-choristers Sophie Gallagher, Quintin Beer and Jonny Pacey who performed to great acclaim from the Salisbury Wassailers.
Following dinner,catered by Norma Farrelly,there was more music performed by the St John Singers and the trio of guest soloists, including audience participation in a riotous rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The evening concluded with impromptu carol singing by the guests before we all made our way home through the seasonal snow.