The 2020 service at the historic church, located off Fleet Street, had to be held online due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time.
This year the church’s series of special services held for printing, journalism, newspaper and allied trades are back, but have been swiftly adapted to comply with the latest coronavirus guidance due to the spread of the Omicron variant.
The St Bride’s choir sang from the altar end of the church, and people attending the service were masked.
The service, held yesterday evening (14 December), is organised by the BPIF with support from Boss Federation, St Bride Foundation, The Printing Charity, The Worshipful Company of Stationers & Newspaper Makers, and Unite the union.
The interior of the church, prior to the service
The programme was printed by Precision Proco Group.
BPIF CEO Charles Jarrold told Printweek: “I’m really glad that Carols for Printers was able to take place. We talked to The Printing Charity and Unite about the current situation and they were keen to go ahead as well.
“Of course people have to look at their own circumstances and make their own decisions about whether to attend or not. I know it’s been a very difficult time for certain people, but these things are important rituals in life, I think.”
The superb St Bride’s Choir created a wonderful atmosphere with their renditions of classic Christmas carols alongside some new festive arrangements.
The service was given by rector the reverend canon Dr Alison Joyce, with readings by BPIF president Ian Wilton, Stationers’ Company past master Trevor Fenwick (standing in for current master Robert Flather who was unable to attend), Unite assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner, The Printing Charity CEO Neil Lovell, Jarrold, and Boss Federation CEO Amy Hutchinson.
Further carol services will take place at St Bride’s over the next ten days, including Journalists’ Carols and Fleet Street Carols, and culminating with Midnight Mass on Friday 24 December and a Christmas Day Family Communion Service on the morning of 25 December.
Details and timings can be found on the St Bride’s website.
