Mr Simon Guillebaud OBE (third from right) was the guest speaker.

A missionary, recognised for his outstanding charitable work in a poverty-stricken African country torn apart by tribal war, was the special guest at Monmouth School for Girls’ St Catherine’s Day Service.

Mr Simon Guillebaud MBE spent many years living in Burundi, where he cheated death several times, and founded Great Lakes Outreach (GLO), a UK charity working with African organisations to provide financial, logistical and life advice.

The charity’s main focus is on evangelism and discipleship in schools, work and education and it also helps in the fight against AIDS.

Mr Guillebaud, who gave a thought-provoking sermon about the importance of making a difference, was invited to Monmouth by the Chaplain at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, Reverend Clifford Swartz, today (Friday 22nd November).

St Catherine is the patron saint of The Haberdashers’ Company and the special guests included the Master of The Haberdashers’ Company, Mr James Kininmonth, and Clerk, Mr Philip Thicknesse.

Pupils, staff, guests, dignitaries and clergy were treated to lovely performances by the Chamber Choir and the Junior Singers.

The choral items were extremely uplifting as were the hymns, the traditional Latin Chant and the Collect for St Catherine’s Day and The Lord’s Prayer.

Deputy Head Girl, Myfanwy, read the sentence of scripture and led the responses.

Head Girl, Rachel, gave the New Testament Reading and Deputy Head Girl, Esme, the Old Testament Reading, while Amelia and Ellie led the prayers.

The Chamber Choir gave moving performances of The Lord is My Shepherd (Goodall), and The Lord bless you and keep you (Rutter).

The Junior Singers also shone with the delightful All things bright and beautiful (Alexander, Arr. Rutter).