Figgy Pudding

Last Friday the Riviera International Singers, directed by Beryl Arnould, gave a concert in Antibes cathedral with the proceeds going to the lifeboat fund. They raised 1510€, which was a magnificent achievement in itself, but what was more important was that they gave a smashing concert. I knew it was going well when Beryl turned round and conducted the audience, who, being anglophone, knew how to sing and had no hang-ups.

The French lifeboat crew had mixed reactions to all this vocal outpouring. The more Gallic amongst them kept stumm and glum, whereas the more internationally minded and curious actually joined in, including a rousing chorus of "Oh bring us some figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer." Their talents came in handy afterwards when lugging an enormous vat of mulled wine, which wet the whistles of all the singers, both choir and audience.