Christmas Words and Music

Geoff Scargill

Geoffrey Scargill was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Manchester University. After teaching German and four years as a deputy head, Geoff became the headteacher of a comprehensive school in Rochdale for twelve years. On retirement he taught German at the Chethams School of Music and then became a caseworker for one of the national teacher associations.

Geoff has a number of interests including music, reading, politics, walking and travel.  He is also a life member of Lancashire County Cricket Club and a retired magistrate.

He is an old friend of the society having spoken previously on the subject of Edward Elgar in his capacity as the Chairman of the North West Branch of the Elgar Society and a member of its National Executive, and is welcomed back.

His talk this time will describe the sometimes surprising origins of our modern Christmas celebrations and look at its most popular aspects. It will be illustrated with music typical of the religious and commercial aspects of the Festival and will also look at the Christmas truce of the First World War.  Readings from John Betjeman and Dylan Thomas along with some ‘Christmassy’ Elgar will bring the talk to its conclusion.