Something Genuine

When we were in the Trafford Centre the other day we encountered a small band from the Salvation Army setting up to play. Just five musicians accompanied by a lady and gentleman collecting for various charitable causes on their behalf. We dawdled by them long enough to give a few bob and enjoy the first bars of their rendition of Silent Night. Suddenly in the big, cosy, brassy sound surrounding us the commercial imperatives dominating the mall felt awfully fragile and the festival made sense.