At this time of year it is the custom of the village programme to have this tradition up held and arrangements are carried out for the big event.

I need to question “Has this tradition changed over a number of years, or is it just me”

As I recall when it was introduced into Sydney many years ago the event was held in Hyde Park and each person held a candle and sang along with the professional singers. I only ever saw it on TV but it seemed such a lovely evening.

For reasons best not to go into here I am suffering with various hangups, among which is a dislike for being with a crowd of people and I don’t handle loud noise.

The event last night started with some recorded very “modern” music where the drummer suffered from a very heavy foot, instead of getting a beat, all I could hear was BANG,BANG.BANG ETC ETC ETC.

At this point I decided to stay in my room, it soon became necessary to close the door as well. In this secluded position I didn’t miss a thing.

I could not hear if the audience sang along because the person with the microphone drowned out EVERYTHING ELSE.

Fortunately it was all over by about 8.30 but the sound rang in my ears all night. With a bit of luck next year it will rain and the event can be cancelled.