Choir brings Barnsley factory worker's 1933 lost carol back to life

The carol was originally published in the Barnsley Chronicle on 23 December 1933

A Christmas carol lost for 90 years has been sung again by a full choir in the town where it was composed.

The song was written in 1933 by a factory worker from Barnsley and rediscovered by museum archivists.

Penned by bottle-maker Arthur Godfrey, Christmas Eve is inspired by the Christmas bell chimes rung by some churches at midnight on 24 December.

The carol, which was performed by Barnsley Youth Choir in the town earlier, was broadcast live on Radio 4.

Barnsley Museums' Heritage Action Zone officer Dr Tegwen Roberts said to hear the carol sung again was a wish come true.

"To have Barnsley Youth Choir in the town hall to sing this is amazing.

"We're so overwhelmed by the incredible feedback we've had from people and so many people want to sing it."

Dr Roberts said the words and music for the carol were found in a copy of the Barnsley Chronicle published on 23 December 1933.

The museum decided to revive the piece and record it in the Town Hall sung by a member of their team as part of their Christmas celebrations, which was initially played on Radio 4 last week.

That prompted many listeners to get in touch to say how beautiful the song was.

Peter Hebbard contacted the station to say he had sent the link to family across the world for them to listen to on Christmas Eve.

He said: "Such beautiful music deserves to find new wings."