UK shipbroker Simpson Spence Young (SSY) has brought some much-needed festive cheer to the shipping world through its annual Christmas carol service.
This year, of course, live attendance was not possible, so the broker has posted a video of the stunning performance by the choir of St Michael Cornhill in the City of London.
Recorded earlier this month under strict social distancing conditions, the service also featured readings by SSY staffers.
Those stepping up to the pulpit were Duncan Dunn, Ben Dudman, David Beard, Paul Kaklamanos, Ole Martin and Archie Everard.
Beard told TradeWinds: "It's been a challenging year, and in spite of all the Covid restrictions SSY were determined to spread some festive cheer throughout the maritime community.
Huge thanks due
"We're delighted that St Michael's church in Cornhill were once again able to host our annual carol service, albeit virtually this year, and a huge thanks to Rev Charlie Skrine and the wonderful choir under the direction of Jonathan Rennert for looking after us."
Sound engineer Steve Garnett was also thanked.
And Beard added: "We hope all TradeWinds readers have a very Merry Christmas."
The service featured music by renowned Estonian composer Arvo Part, as well as prolific British composer Alan Ridout, who by the age of 12 had written more than 100 works.
Two songs were also included by another English composer, Philip Stopford, born in 1977, including his haunting adaption of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, sung at the start of the service.
