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Magical Christmas Carol Service held at Winchester Cathedral

A large crowd looking to the front of a Cathedral with a choir in the background

Last week, the historic Winchester Cathedral provided a stunning backdrop for our Christmas Carol Service.  We sold over 500 tickets which has raised over £13,000 — enough to fund more than 560 hours of expert nursing care for families in our care. 

Our very own Reverend Nicky Smallwood hosted this special evening with Mark Smith, CEO, welcoming the congregation to the service. 

A man standing at in front of a microphone with a choir behind him
A large choir standing and singing from a book at the front of a crowd

On arrival, the congregation were greeted by music from harpist Amy Pritchard, who perfectly set the tone for the rest of the evening. A highlight of the service was the uplifting music, featuring cherished carols performed by the specially formed Naomi House & Jacksplace Chamber Choir and the Voices for Hospices Choir, accompanied by the talented Robin Smallwood on the organ. 

 

 

A woman with a harp in the aisle of a cathedral
A young boy standing and singing with a choir in the background

The evening was further enriched by heartfelt readings delivered by distinguished supporters of the hospices, including patron Alastair Stewart OBE, journalist Sally Taylor MBE, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Phipps of ATR Winchester, and a young adult who receives care at the hospices. 

Alastair Stewart reading in front of a crowd
A young adult in a wheelchair looking at a screen on a platform
A view down the aisle of Winchester Cathedral with a Christmas tree
A young boy singing in front of a crowd in the North Transit of Winchester Cathedral
A large choir standing and singing from a book at the front of a crowd
Reverend Nicky Smallwood standing at the North Transit
Sally Taylor MBE reading in front of a crowd in the North Transit
A woman in a blue top talking into a microphone
MP Danny Chambers smiling in Winchester Cathedral (2)

We also welcomed special guests, including local MP Danny Chambers and the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith, who joined the congregation in celebrating this meaningful and festive occasion.

Lieutenant colonel Jim Phipps standing at the North Transit

ATR Winchester have been proud to support Naomi House & Jacksplace since 2008. It was an enormous privilege to be invited to be part of the deeply moving Christmas Carol Service in the beautiful setting of Winchester Cathedral. The whole regiment are incredibly proud of being able to contribute to the inspirational work that Naomi House & Jacksplace do. We hope that we can continue to play our small part in making a difference to children and young adults.

— Lt Col Jim Phipps, Army Training Regiment Winchester

It was a delight to be at Winchester Cathedral to share such a wonderful and memorable carol service with our supporters. The fantastic turnout, with an exceptional audience, readers, and choir, underscores the care our local community has for the families who use our hospices. It is this generous support that makes our vital work as a hospice for children and young adults possible, both now and in the future.

— Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Naomi House & Jacksplace

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