THIRTY-NINE Christmases ago in Forest Row, a little Sussex village nearly 30 miles from its nearest lifeboat, the village postman, Billy Mills, joined two local church choirs together to go carol singing to raise money for the RNLI.

Billy led the carollers around Forest Row on foot and remained the choir's mascot long after George Ralph took over as organiser and conductor. Both Billy and George were honoured with the RNLI gold badge and in 1974 George represented the choir at the Royal Garden Party to mark the 150th anniversary of the Institution. It was a great honour to be asked by George to join the choir which grew in size and reputation. In time it was invited to sing at many local house parties Christmas after Christmas. It became necessary to drive the many miles covered each night in and around Forest Row. In December 1970 the choir sang with Semprini at Arundel Castle and in 1976 entertained a group of Americans at the Mansion House for the American British Lifeboat Appeal.

The repertoire of carols had expanded to include many lovely old English songs for such occasions. In the summer of 1975 the choir made a Christmas carol LP with three generations of one family taking part; an original soprano, Mrs Lily Card, her daughter and husband and their son John, who was the youngest member of the choir and also the recording engineer.

The record has since sold about 2,800 copies and has been sent to many friends and relations all over the world.

The rich baritone voice of David Jupp can be heard singing the Boar's Head carol. The choir usually sings unaccompanied but for the record a church organ added depth to the singing.

Copies can still be obtained from Mrs Dorothy Rumens, 9 Upper Close, Forest Row, Sussex, at £3.50 including p and p, cheques payable to RNLI, to which all profits are given.

Sadly George Ralph died in October 1982 after a long illness and 33 years as 'gaffer'. However, the enthusiasm of the choir remains firm in its aim to raise money for the RNLI and to date more than £10,000 has been raised.—T.M..