'Your energy could power the town Christmas lights' - Stone councillors pay tribute to departing choir leaders
Two former school leaders who have filled Stone’s annual Christmas lights switch on with festive music for more than two decades have bowed out on a high note with a tribute from town councillors.
Mary Gale and Sue Campbell-Kelly, both former heads of St Michael’s First School, have led the children’s choir at Stone’s annual festive extravaganza for the past 25 years, as well as inspiring hundreds of town youngsters to sing at events in other venues including Victoria Hall in Hanley.
The pair are now stepping down from their Christmas lights switch on duties. Stone Town Council, which organises the event, did not let them depart in silence however, and on Tuesday members gave the pair a rousing send off which included a quote from Abba classic Thank You For the Music.
Councillor Jill Hood said: “Both have the magic ability to form such wonderful choirs. Your energy could power the town Christmas lights.
“Beyond the music, Sue and Mary taught generations of children, not only how to sing but to belong. Here’s to Sue and Mary, great ambassadors for music and community champions.
“Stone won’t be the same without their songs and laughter. Thank you for the music and for everything over the last 25 years.”
Mrs Campbell Kelly told town councillors: “We have enjoyed every second of it”. And Mrs Gale told town councillors the community work began even earlier than the annual Christmas lights switch on, when they were involved in collecting money for the town bonfire.
She added: “I remember one year it rained so much we took the children into the Crown Hotel. Then they told us off because we wet the carpets.”
