Thanks for joining us on Christmas Eve in Saxon Square:
The final event of the first ever Christchurch Living Advent Calendar was held at 2pm on Christmas Eve in Saxon Square. The crowd enjoyed the playing of traditional carols by the Christchurch U3a Vintage Brass band.
Head Organiser Jan Banks accepted a cheque from the sponsor Little Lives UK on behalf of the final charity Ashley’s Birthday Bank.
Thank you so much to everyone who has attended our events throughout December. A special thank you is due to the committed and energetic ‘CLAC’ team within the Rotary Club and all Rotarians who helped out throughout the month.
Highlights of the final event:
Rotary volunteers collecting for Ashley’s Birthday Bank charity.
Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Sue Bungey introducing the 24th “Window” performance of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar.
Presenting the sponsor’s cheque on behalf of Little Lives UK to Tom Gillett.
Pippa and Kelvin Medley-Jones, of The Primrose Trust, the primary sponsors of the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar. They thanked the Rotary Club for the fantastic effort to co-ordinate events with all the venues, charities, and performers throughout December.
The first ever Christchurch Living Advent Calendar has raised nearly £20,000 for local charities. The success was due in no small part to the energy and enthusiasm of chief organiser Jan Banks, who was presented with a gift and flowers after the final event.
The entertainment was provided by:
Christchurch u3a Vintage Brass –
December 24th’s surprise performers!
We are a brass band within Christchurch u3a. We play a variety of styles from traditional brass band classics to big band-style swing and we give performances throughout the year, often raising funds for local charities.
Our programme included familiar carols and popular Christmas songs and music, all especially arranged for brass.
Today’s charity – all funds raised go to:
Ashley’s Birthday Bank
Ashley’s Birthday Bank was set up at the end of 2014 and registered as a charity in April 2015. We provide two types of services: Firstly we provide underprivileged children (up to the age of 16) with a birthday and Christmas present to ensure they do not go without on these special occasions. Secondly we provide a crisis service for families who find themselves going through a financially difficult time or who have escaped domestic violence, neglect, human trafficking or abuse.
Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:
Little Lives
Little Lives UK’s primary focus is to help children in who are disabled or disadvantaged. We provide support and opportunities to children that are facing many challenges in their young age and are in need of support. We identify problems within our community and establish grassroot projects to tackle them. Creating personal connections with the families and children we help is truly priceless to us.
Thanks to the venue:
Saxon Square
Courtyard setting in the centre of Christchurch surrounded by a selection of local retailers and big brands. Stay local – shop Saxon Square.
Thank you again to the overall sponsor of the Living Advent Calendar:
The Primrose Charitable Trust
The Primrose Trust was established in 2017 by Kelvin and Pippa Medley-Jones in memory of Kelvin’s late mum, Mrs Primrose (Prim) George. The Trust is the principal sponsor for the 24-day Living Advent Calendar event.
Based in Christchurch, The Trust priority is to support small local charities that benefit children and adults in most need – through disability, age, serious physical or mental illness, or financial deprivation.
