A SINGING group from Romsey and the surrounding areas made a welcome return to the King John’s Garden.

On December 14 at 2pm, the Rums Eg Singers met at the gardens for a Christmas chorus.

Rums Eg singers, a large choir that has an eclectic repertoire, has not been anble to meet since the start of the pandemic.

Mark Edgerley, charity trustee, said they took pleasure in the festive sing-along and enjoyed a mince pie and a hot chocolate from Miss Moody’s Café.

He said: “The Rums Eg Singers were formed around the former Bell Street Gallery and were started, I think, by Annie George, who is also a member of the Arts Society.

“The name Rums Eg itself, of course, derives from the Old English and original name for Romsey.

“The reason it returned to the garden is that they - alongside some members of the Romsey Ukulele Group and the Braishfield Ukulele Musicians - performed two charity summer events called Songs and Scones in the Garden, for us in 2018 and 2019. Both were paid events and the donations went to the upkeep of our medieval house and garden.

“They were great fun events, and everyone had a cream tea picnic in lovely sunshine. We were planning the 2020 event when, well, we know what happened.”

The singers performed songs and carols to bring the festive season to King John's House and Garden, at the free to enter event. 

King John’s House is celebrating it’s 800th birthday this year and this was just one of the events that have been held at the historic venue.

Back in November, re-enactments took place in Romsey Town Centre and at King John’s House telling the story of Queen Isabella.

A campaign to raise funds for the building was also launched.

For more go to kingjohnshouse.org.uk