We were thrilled to receive an invitation to the Carol Service held in Peterborough to mirror HRH Princess of Wales’ concert in Westminster Abbey. Graham and Roger, 2 long term members of the Peterborough Group attended to represent amputees in this county. Big thank you to them for doing so and below you will find a report on what was a very special evening:
Well the evening wasn’t deep and crisp and even. It was decidedly wet, cold and miserable.
However, that didn’t dampen mine and Roger’s spirits. Roger kindly picked me up and as you can imagine we had a bit of a chat in the car.
As we entered the cathedral all of the chairs had been removed from the front nave which allowed us to see how impressive this area is with only the font taking up some of this huge space.
We walked to the new extension of the cathedral where other guests had started to mingle. We helped ourselves to mincepies, mulled wine and elderflower cordial for Roger as designated driver.
Conversation was free flowing and we met up with representatives from different charities. In total approximately 50 charities, who have benefited from CCF were invited.
We were all asked to take seats for the start of the carol concert which were situated in the centre of the cathedral. A huge Christmas tree stood shining giving a real Christmas feel.
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough welcomed us all to the cathedral and concert.
The concert was introduced by Julie Spence OBE QPM CStJ, His Majesty’s Lord – Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and President of the foundation. She was also previously Chief Constable for Cambridgeshire.
The Peterborough Take Note Community Choir were introduced and invited us to join in the singing of the carols.
We commenced with Silent Night. Everyone heard the spectacle of my voice, followed byThe First Noel.
Jonathan Jelley MBE JP Trustee of Cambridgeshire Community Foundation then gave a short speech where he outlined the importance of the foundation to the region, in particular Peterborough. The foundation is in its 20th year.
We were then invited to welcome Gabriella Pineda – Rodrigues a professional singer from Peterborough who had previously been a chorister at the cathedral. She gave a wonderful medley of tunes from Frozen followed by a medley of Christmas songs, we all then sang more carols.
The CEO of CCF Michael O’ Toole then gave an overview of the Foundation’s work which has in 2024 culminated in grants worth £4 million being awarded.
Just a few bullet points highlights from the twenty years of the foundation.
- CCF was founded in 2004
- In 2011 grants surpassed £1 million for the first time.
- In 2017 Cambridge Street Aid was launched with Cambridgeshire City Council allowing people to move away from life on the streets.
- In 2022 £100,000 cost of living crisis fund launched with Cambridge building society.
The evening drew to a close by once again the eating of mincepies and the quaffing of mulled wine (mainly by me )
To see the large number of charities together shows the strength and commitment from people in our region. This strength and commitment is supported by the CCF.
It was a great evening, I had an excuse to belt out Christmas carols and spend time in good company
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