A Christmas Celebration

A Christmas concert was arranged by supporters of the Hunter Centre at St Christopher’s Church on Thursday 8th December. The church was beautifully-decorated with a Christmas theme getting the congregation in the mood for the coming festive season.

The Rector, Chris, welcomed everyone before the lights dimmed and soloist Holly Humberstone’s clear voice filled the Church, as she walked down the aisle singing ‘Once in Royal David’s City.’ The Winterbourne Singers performed superbly throughout the evening, including two works by Benjamin Britten, ‘There is no Rose’, and ‘Balulalow’, ‘A Christmas Blessing’ by Philip Stopford, ‘In Dulci Jubilo’ and, finally, ‘We’ve been awhile a-wandering’ composed by our organist, Clive Osgood.

The congregation joined in enthusiastically with the singing of traditional carols which we all know so well. Anne Lister performed two flute solos and Liz Ward read a prize winning poem called ‘Dementia didn’t steal my Dad it brought him back instead’, which resonated with many in the audience.

On a lighter note, we all enjoyed an entertaining sketch on the subject of sending Christmas cards and to whom, written and performed by Richard Everett, accompanied by Margaret Barlow. The traditional Christmas reading from Luke chapter 1 was beautifully read by Ann Lear, as a representative of the carers of those who attend the Hunter Centre.

Finally Anne Downing, Chairman of the Hunter Centre, thanked everyone who came to support the event and talked about the valuable work of this wonderful facility in our town. Mulled wine and mince pies were served to all in the packed church. Not only was the evening much appreciated by everyone but the sum of £844 was raised, which will be used to improve the variety of activities enjoyed by those who come to the day centre.

Who is Parish Pump?

You may have noticed that from time to time articles are contributed by Parish Pump, a strange name for a contributor to our parish magazine. Certainly not a member of our congregation or local parish. No, indeed not.

We would always prefer to have contributions from our own readers and community, however it is sometimes tricky to organise matters to ensure each page is full.

To overcome this problem we have a subscription to a wealth of resources designed to be used in parish magazines for just this purpose. This is the Parish Pump. Our cartoons and picture stories are drawn from this resource.

We hope you enjoy the material from the Parish Pump but would rather encourage you to send us your own anecdotes and interesting activities.

Jane Slevin