Richard Shephard MBE has written a new Christmas Carol to be premiered by the Yorkshire Decibelles at Carols by Candlelight, in aid of the Archbishop of York Youth Trust.

Richard is a lay Canon of York Minster, a composer and the former Headteacher of the Minster School. He is acclaimed as one of the most significant composers of church music today, as well as chairing the board of the Archbishop of York Youth Trust. Richard is an honorary freeman of the City of York and is a Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

The new Carol ‘This Christmastide’ was written by Richard for the Yorkshire Decibelles, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Youth Trust. The Carol is based on a blessing used at Christmas time, which reads:

‘May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas.’

‘This Christmastide’ is to be premiered at Swinton Park’s annual Carols by Candlelight on 4 December, which has been supporting the Archbishop of York Youth Trust for the last three years.

Ruth Sladden of the Yorkshire Decibelles said:

“We are very grateful to Richard for setting these words and are looking forward to singing ‘This Christmastide’ for him at Carols by Candlelight. They will perform this carol again at St Michael’s Hospice Harrogate’s Carol Service at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday 8 December."

Dan Finn, CEO of the Youth Trust, said:

“We’re so pleased that Richard is a part of the Youth Trust’s story. He’s been a voice of inspiration and support to the Trust for the last 10 years and we’re most grateful for the support and leadership he gives as we seek to raise a generation of young people empowered to transform society. ‘This Christmastide’is a beautifully written Carol that will help us to all hear God’s good news this Advent.”

‘This Christmastide’ was published by the Royal School of Church Music and is available to purchase here

Join the Youth Trust and the Yorkshire Decibelles for Carols by Candlelight at Swinton Park on 4 December. Choose from afternoon tea at 1.30pm or 4.00pm for £50pp, or an evening meal at 7.00pm for £100pp. Tickets are available to reserve by phone call to Swinton Park on 01765 680900

About the Archbishop of York Youth Trust

The Archbishop of York Youth Trust is passionate about developing opportunities for young people to grow in leadership, faith and character, in partnership with schools, churches and communities. Through the Young Leaders Award, the Youth Trust has empowered over 90,000 young people from over 750 schools to learn and practice key leadership skills and character virtues and to transform their communities through social action.

For more information on the Youth Trust, visit abyyt.com or phone 01904 231010.

For any media enquiries please contact Rosie Fraser on rosie.fraser@abyyt.com or 07719 960119.

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