London BT Christmas Concert December 15, 2014

Royal Albert Hall

Elder and Sister Jones

By the time the concert began, all the empty seats had been filled.

The papers were copies of Christmas carols for the sing-a-long.

Pre-performance candid photo shoot

Elder and Sister Jolley

London Concert Chorus, London Concert Orchestra, R.A.F. Squadronaires, John Rigby conductor

Amira Willighagen - a 10 year old girl, winner of Holland's Got Talent, was one of the guest singers. She sang Ave Maria and O, Holy Night. She has a beautiful voice that would put most grown women to shame. If you didn't see her you could not believe she was singing those songs!

The performers involved the audience to sing the 12 Days of Christmas. They had everyone taking part in actions for the song. The audience loved it since they could get up and move a bit - the actions were hilarious...sorry no video! Our camera went dead just before the end of the program.

Before the night was over, the whole audience was raising the rafters as they sang the Christmas carols. Even without the words, they seemed to know all the songs. The Christmas Spirit in that Hall was amazing. We were glowing with the realization that these people who claim not to be religious, for the most part absolutely LOVE the carols that sing praises to our Heavenly King!

This wonderful experience brought us a big dose of Christmas Cheer!

Who has a beard that's long and white?!

Santa? You found us in England!!!

Oh Christmas Tree! 

Santa the Wylde Green Ward loves you!

What would you like Santa to bring you this year?

George and Audrey...on the naughty list!

Next Year's Santa needs to eat more pudding!

Sharon with her two boys, Christopher and Alexander

Lots of good food!

The Yule Log

Alexander wearing one of the quality gifts Santa gave him.

Celebrations 2014

Sister Thomsena Anjum in their home, preparing to enjoy some carrot cake.
Elder and Sister Jolley came by to celebrate her birthday with her favorite treat..
She is wearing one of her beautiful Pakistani outfits.  

The Maloney Family Christmas Dinner
L-R: Nickie, Jake, Chris, Stephen & Nicholas

Elders Peterson and Farley join us for some Christmas cheer.

Nadia the Russian Princess out for Christmas 'Tea' with Sister Jolley.

Eliza Stilger's Baptism Day (Bishop & Anna Stilger's daughter)

Our camera battery died just as the Bishop and Eliza were posing in their white clothing. So we missed getting any shots of the main attraction. We'll ask the Stilger family if they can send us some of their photos to post soon. It was a special day for Eliza alone. They don't have the big stake baptisms here as we usually do in the U.S. When our granddaughters Aly and Lydia were baptized this year they each had their very own day, so it does happen - now and then! 

Elder Jolley got a few shots of the amazing food tables before the crowd hit...

Bread, Meat& Cheese Trays to feed the 5000...the whole ward = 100 people, on a good day.
See the grapes halfway down? E&S Jolley's 'healthy' contribution to the meal :-)

November 16th was Eliza Stilger's 8th birthday which happened to fall on Sunday. The baptismal service was held
immediately following church. The whole ward was invited and they fed us all with sandwiches and trimmings.
Bishop Stilger is a successful businessman who lives large. He and his wife Anna are very spiritual and loving people -
the backbone of Sheldon Ward. Sometimes the Bishop teaches Sunday School and then speaks in Sacrament Meeting!

Beautiful birthday cake and cupcakes with fondant frosting
A wonderful celebration for Eliza to remember...