Village Carols Workshop, Plymtree, United Reformed Church, Saturday 13 December, 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Carols from 6pm
We all know Father Christmas as a friendly character who delivers gifts to children around the world on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
But that’s not how he made his first appearance. Because as far as records show, his story started right here in Devon in the mid-15th century, when the character, ‘Sir Christëmas’, featured in a carol attributed to Reverend Richard Smart (also known as Smerte). Rev. Smart served as Rector of Plymtree from 1435 to 1477 and as a vicar-choral at Exeter Cathedral between 1428 and approximately 1466. Historians believe the carol was composed between 1461 and 1477.
It’s the first known mention of who we now call Father Christmas. In the song, he’s seen as a personification of the holiday season—a cheerful visitor during the festive period, rather someone bearing gifts.
We’ll be singing ‘Sir Christëmas’ at a Village Carols Workshop at Plymtree United Reform Church on Saturday 13 December, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, together with carols from various local village traditions.
Our professional musicians Paul Wilson and Jon Dyer will be leading the workshop – all ages and abilities are welcome. Afterwards, from 6pm, people are invited to hear the carols and join in with some carol singing.
Creative director, Marilyn Tucker, said: “This is a real treat, to be teaching this wonderful old carol to people who may never have heard it before. We’re hoping that more people will learn the carol, so it continues to be sung in the local communities around Plymtree.”
It’s one of 11 Plymtree carols which have been collected that were written in the 15th century. The songs offer a rare glimpse into the customs and celebrations of medieval England, and reflect the spirit of Christmas as being about joy, community, and tradition. Tickets for the workshop are £10/£6, available on the door or via this page on our website Village Carols Workshop | Wren Music
The workshop follows our Westcountry Midwinter Music events last winter – you can see our YouTube video here. Westcountry Midwinter Music
