ST BARNABAS: Merry Christmas and festive activities

It’s very nearly time to add the final piece to our nativity in the chapel; of course, the Baby Jesus does not appear until Christmas Day!

This year we are lucky to have a large outdoor tree which has been kindly donated by our president, Lord Henry.

We held our annual tree lighting ceremony at the start of December.

Staff and volunteers sang carols and our Chaplain, Stephen Gurr, gave a special festive message.

It was nice to see the lights being switched on by Dot Lawrence, community palliative care nurse, one of our longest-serving members of staff who first started working at the old hospice 28 years ago.

There have been lots of festivities taking place in the Day Hospice recently, including our annual Christmas market and parties with a festive photo booth, carol singing and a special performance which the patients really enjoyed by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley!

It was nice to see lots of local groups and companies very kindly supporting our Wear it Festive fundraising campaign this year.

Thank you to everyone who took part.

It is important to remember that Christmas is a time of giving, and as a hospice we are extremely grateful to have such wonderful supporters who give so generously, not just over the festive period, but all year round.

This will be my last column before Christmas, so I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best over the festive period.

Merry Christmas!

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