For many people Christmas begins when they listen to the broadcast
of service of Nine Lessons and Carols and the lone boy chorister sings the
first verse of Once in Royal David’s City. Nothing beats a live performance and
I was pleased to be at Holy Trinity in Southport for their carol service which
blended the traditional, including a choirboy singing the famous solo, with the
new and unfamiliar all performed to a very high standard. There was more
excellent music in Ince Blundell at the Amadeus Chamber Choir’s carol concert.
One group of people we
must not forget are those who are homeless or who have fallen on hard times.
Once again this year a shelter will be open over the Christmas period and it is
heartening how many people have volunteered to give up part of their Christmas
to spread some seasonal joy. I shall be visiting the shelter on Christmas Day.
Another group of volunteers who will be working over Christmas
are the Samaritans. Around eighty people give their time to provide this important
service. Thanks to an initiative by Soyful Alam, the Iman of the Southport
Mosque, and Rod Garner from Holy Trinity £400 was raised for this local
charity. I was delighted to be there when the cheque was handed over to
Christina Morgan the Director of the charity.
I would like to thank all the people sent in toys for the
Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal. Because of their generosity over 400 children
will get a Christmas present. A special mention to ASDA in Southport who
supported the appeal by acting as a collection point and to local business
Paymentshield who collected gifts from their staff.
I would like to report on a couple of events involving young
people. The 11th Sefton East group of Scouts invited me along to be
interviewed as part of one of their badges. We had a great evening and they
asked lots of challenging and interesting questions. I also attended ceremony
at Chesterfield High School to mark the end of a course undertaken by some
students and delivered by the UK Military School Academy -a group of former
professional soldiers. It was clear talking to the students this had been a
great success.
My final engagement of Christmas period will be in Formby
where I shall be at 100th Birthday
party for Richard Crittenden
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