WITH every seat taken at the annual Carols by Candlelight event in All Saints’ Church last Wednesday, the capacity congregation was stunned to hear of the sudden death earlier that day of Christopher Manners, the church’s organist and director of music.

His contribution to music stretched far beyond Weston; Christopher was a highly talented organist, piano accompanist, conductor, teacher and organ builder.

At his family’s request the carol service went ahead and a considerable collection was raised for the work of Weston Hospicecare.

Stupendous singing by Harmonia Sacra under the direction of Dr Peter Leech along with soaring chords of Bristol Brass Consort and the full sounds of the renowned Compton pipe organ, played by the organist of St Mary Redcliffe who stepped in at the last-minute following Christopher’s death, ensured a memorable evening for all and a traditional start to Christmas.

The moment when all were invited to light candles in memory of loved ones had an added poignancy given the day’s sad news, but all went home knowing that one absent musician would have been mighty pleased with the evening’s highly polished performance.