“WE HAVE never missed a year, never missed a day and never missed a street.”
That is how carol singing Trevor Cowlett has managed to bank £50,000 for charity in 50 years.
The 78-year-old is celebrating half a century of singing Christmas carols to villagers in Kennington, raising cash for children at a special needs school.
The private music teacher has been collecting money for Penhurst School, Chipping Norton, since he took his three young children out carol singing in 1960 with members of Kennington Methodist Church.
Now he plays accordion for his own choir of singers.
“We have never missed a year, never missed a day, and never missed a street,” said Mr Cowlett, who has been driving around on a golf buggy this year.
“It started as a bit of fun, then just grew and grew.”
Deep snow, heavy rain, and an accordion splitting in two haven’t stopped him calling at every home in the village over the years.
Wendy Daw, 80, who has been listening to her neighbours singing carols since 1970, said: “The carol singers signify the official start of Christmas for me. They are wonderful, I always donate.
“Trevor is such a dedicated man.”
John Marson, 78, who has been shaking his collection box for 38 years, said: “There is amazing support. People wait on their doorstep for us, crowds come out on to the street to listen, and there are always lots of residents willing to help out.
“Sometimes, we have 50 villagers singing.”
In 1960, the carol singers raised £100. Now, nearly £2,000 is donated.
An anonymous donor often tops up the pot – sometimes doubling the amount.
Mr Cowlett has also helped raise £350,000 for Penhurst, by organising Kennington and District United Church Choir concerts. He wanted to help after visiting the school.
Mr Cowlett began directing the choir 37 years ago.
Penhurst School principal Stephen Bajdala-Brown, which offers residential care for children with multiple learning difficulties, said: “He is a wonderful man who does wonderful work.”
Mr Cowlett said: “I hope to continue leading carol singers round this friendly village for many more years.”
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