admin, Author at Christchurch Living Advent Calendar

Sun 24 Dec – Saxon Square

Who will be today’s surprise performer?
Note the time – 2pm in the Square!

Raising money for:

Charities supported by Rotary Partners

Kindly sponsored by:

Anonymous Sponsor

Join us at:

Saxon Square at 2pm

Refreshments provided by:

Lemon Garden Cakes

24th December’s surprise performers:

Christchurch U3A Vintage Band

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.

Website: www.christchurchu3a.org.uk/vintagebrass

Vintage Brass on Facebook

Fri 22 Dec – The Red House Museum

Who will be tonight’s surprise performer?

Raising money for:

Friends of the Red House Museum

The Friends of the Red House Museum was established in 1951 by a group of people who wanted to play an active part in the life of their museum. We play a vital role in raising funds for The Red House Museum, to support the ongoing care of the museum’s historic gardens and the enrichment to people’s lives through access to the local heritage. Over the years interest in the Friends has grown and it has become a vibrant organisation. The Friends also play an essential part in the Red House Museum by volunteering to work in the garden and in other areas of the museum, such as documentation, transcribing and oral history recording.

https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/red-house-museum-and-gardens

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

The Red House Museum

Kindly sponsored by:

The Red House Museum is a welcoming community museum in the heart of Christchurch. Operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust, this charming Georgian building was built as a workhouse in 1764, and is now filled with a rich variety of displays. The museum also has a varied programme of workshops, events and exhibitions, with something for all ages. We also work hard to create opportunities designed to improve the health and wellbeing of local people, including wellness activities and a programme of activities for people with dementia and carers.n our communities.

https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/red-house-museum-and-gardens

Next event >

The Lockdown Band

The Lockdown Band are a family of four who live on a suburban street in Christchurch, Dorset, in a smallish three bed semi with a ramshackle number of sheds, and a house FULL of instruments.

In 2020 over various lockdowns we had over 100,000 social media views of our Silly Songs for Serious Times cover songs, and in December performed doorstep CAROLOKE sessions – singalong Christmas carols for our neighbourhood.

The Lockdown Band on Blogspot

Sat 23 Dec – Ye Olde George Inn

Who will be tonight’s surprise performer?

Raising money for:

Lewis Manning

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity established 28 years ago, providing extraordinary care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness across Poole, Purbeck, East Dorset. We offer a range of free hospice care services aimed at helping people to live well through their illness, closer to home. These include: Day hospice, Creative arts & wellbeing support, Lymphoedema clinic for cancer patients, Better breathing clinic, Family bereavement & support

Every year we support nearly 500 local people and we develop new services, based on patient need and identified gaps in the area. To do this we need to raise over £1.6m every year. Without these funds we could not exist. Our important work increases people’s physical and social well-being, reduces isolation and loneliness, supports people to stay in their homes longer, and alleviates the huge pressures on family and carers.

https://lewis-manning.org.uk/

Join us at tonight’s Venue & Refreshment Provider:

Ye Olde George Inn

Located in the heart of Christchurch, the oldest pub in town with six centuries of history.

https://www.craft-pubs.co.uk/ye-old-george-inn-christchurch

Kindly sponsored by:

United Taxis

Next event >

Sarah Harris

Vocalist – genres: Jazz, Swing, Latin, Soul, Motown, Funk, Disco, Rhythm and Blues and Pop.

Facebook:
@SaraHarrisVocalist

YouTube Channel

Website: www.saraharrisvocalist.com

Thur 21 Dec – The Thomas Tripp

Who will be tonight’s surprise performer?

Raising money for:

Christchurch Cancer Research

You can be confident that all money raised by Cancer Research UK will be spent wisely as 80p out of every £1 donated goes directly towards the life-saving work of preventing and curing all cancers. The remaining 20p is reinvested in fundraising where we get back £4 for every £1 we spend. With over 200 different types of cancer the research to find successful outcomes for people with cancer is vital. Compared with 40 years ago, cancer survival rates have doubled, and our work has been at the heart of that progress.

For 2022 and 2023 Christchurch Fundraising Group have nominated our Regional Research Centre in Southampton to receive all money donated through our fundraising. Find out more at:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/our-research/our-research-near-you/our-research-in-southampton
Your support is helping us raise lifesaving funds to beat cancer. Thank you.

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

The Thomas Tripp

At the Thomas Tripp we believe wholeheartedly in the vitality that a traditional local pub brings to the community and we welcome you to join in; take in our smuggling history, enjoy our beers, ales and fine wines, sample our freshly prepared food.

Being Christchurch’s main live music venue you can come and enjoy a boogie or sing along on our live music nights, all our gigs can be found on our website.

THOMAS TRIPP – YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL COMMUNITY PUB
Voted ‘Best Pub/Bar of the Year’ in the BH area by BH Stars
along with an award for ‘Best Sunday Roast’

www.thomastripp.co.uk

Kindly sponsored by:

Gervis Accountants

Business advisors and accountants in Christchurch, Dorset. Gervis handles finances and accountancy for self-employed individuals through to large public organisations.

Gervis also provides employment law, wills & probate services to Dorset & Hampshire clients, covering the South of the UK.

http://www.gervis.co.uk/

And

The Primrose Trust

Next event >

21st December’s surprise performers:

Sarah Bolter

Sarah is a local freelance musician and teacher. Sarah plays the sax/clarinet and flute and sings and performs either as a solo artist or in a multitude of different combinations including running her own bands ‘Not Just Sax’ and ‘Sax In The City’.

Sarah passion is jazz, so the Christmas solo performance was ‘well known’ favourites with a jazzy twist!

http://www.sarahbolter.co.uk

Sarah Bolter on Facebook

& Susie Kimber

Known for her captivating smooth voice, Susie Kimber is a soulful female singer-songwriter. Susie released her debut original single earlier this year to much acclaim and extensive radio play both locally and nationally, and regularly performs live at stunning venues across the South Coast.

Susie performed some beautiful Christmas songs mixed with some Smooth Jazz & Soul Classics from the Greats of Yesteryear.

Website: www.susiekimbermusic.co.uk

Susie Kimber on Facebook

Susie’s YouTube Channel

Fri 15 Dec – Somerford ARC

Who will be tonight’s surprise performer?

Raising money for:

Somerford ARC

Somerford ARC is a community centre that aims to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being and quality of life of people in the Christchurch area, especially the residents of Somerford.

Our greatest aspiration is to cultivate community spirit and bring our residents together. We pride ourselves in providing support and giving our community a voice.
With a strong network of Trustees, Staff and Volunteers, between us we are continuously working to expand our services to improve our environment and to keep us at the heart of the Community. We are a universal point of access for residents of Somerford and wider Christchurch, we respond to a range of issues and opportunities, so it is vital that we are up to date and understand any changes in our local town and the impacts these may have within the community.

https://www.somerfordarc.com/

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

Somerford ARC

Kindly sponsored by:

Hoburne Dental Practice

Hoburne Dental Practice has been delivering private dental care for over 20 years and has been established in Christchurch for over 60 years. We pride ourselves in delivering high quality, long lasting dental care for all the family at affordable prices. As you would expect from a family practice we offer a full range of dental treatments including cosmetic dentistry. Hoburne is a small practice which allows us to create a caring environment tailored to your needs. Our staff pay particular attention to detail in all aspects of dental care from the moment you contact us.
Hoburne-dental.co.uk

Next event >

15th December’s surprise performer:

Christchurch & District Band

A fun, friendly band with a wide range of music from classics to toe tappers.

The Christchurch and District Concert Band are a community based, Not for Profit Organization, promoting the enjoyment of music through learning, performing and audience involvement.

For more info please visit our Facebook page >

Fri 1 Dec – Saxon Square

Tonight’s surprise performer:

Rock Choir

Tonight saw the opening of the third annual Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (CLAC) in Saxon Square. The event was announced by Town Crier Adam Coshan, then Rotarian President, Peter Boardman, introduced the Mayor, Cllr Vivienne Charrett, who formally opened the 24 day event.

Although a bitterly cold evening, several hundred people turned out to listen to the 130 strong Rock Choir who performed an eclectic mix of popular music and carols from artists including Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, Fleetwood Mac, Robbie Williams, Stevie Wonder and Guns and Roses.

Raising money for:

Dorset Children’s Foundation

Money tonight was being raised for the Dorset Children’s Foundation. Raffle prizes included 6 tickets to the Hurn Rugby 7s, a hamper, tickets to The Regent and chocolates.

The proceedings were closed by Rotarian Mike Wood and a cheque for £500, from a private sponsor, was presented toAdrienne Cole (DCF) by Jan Banks, Rotarian and Chair of the CLAC Organising Committee.

Waitrose generously provided mince pies

Even though so cold, the crowd really enjoyed the performance and sung along with the Rock Choir. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable evening and a wonderful start to CLAC 2023.

The Dorset Children’s Foundation is an independent local charity dedicated to improving the lives of disabled children living within our community. We provide mobility equipment, therapies and medical expenses not provided by The NHS. 100% of all donations go to a disabled child, with nothing taken out for admin or wages.

Dorset Children’s Foundation website

Tonight’s 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.

www.saxon-square.co.uk

Kindly sponsored by:

Thank you to our anonymous sponsor for this event

Refreshments provided by:

Waitrose

Next event >

1st December’s surprise performers:

Bournemouth Carnival Band

We are Bournemouth Carnival Band! We are friendly, welcoming and inclusive. You can meet new friends, learn an instrument, help entertain the public and raise money for charity.

Bournemouth Carnival Band on Facebook

More about tonight’s performers

Rock Choir

Rock Choir on Facebook

Thur 7 Dec – The Thomas Tripp

Who will be tonight’s surprise performer?

Raising money for:

Room to Reward

Room to Reward is a unique charity created to give something back and say ‘thank you’ to volunteers who give up their time and make a difference to those in need. Up and down the country, there are so many people helping, caring and loving others. Our simple initiative takes a wasted asset and uses it to recognise these Hidden Heroes.

Room to Reward partners with hotels across the U.K who donate their anticipated unsold rooms. Charities and community groups then nominate their Hidden Heroes for a well-earned short break. Over 750 hotels throughout the U.K. have joined the initiative. Collectively, they have donated in excess of £750,000 worth of breaks in unsold rooms to more than 2000 inspirational volunteers from over 750 charities and community groups.

Together, we’re making a little bit of a difference to those who make a difference to others.

https://www.roomtoreward.org

Join us at tonight’s Venue & Refreshment Provider:

The Thomas Tripp

At the Thomas Tripp we believe wholeheartedly in the vitality that a traditional local pub brings to the community and we welcome you to join in; take in our smuggling history, enjoy our beers, ales and fine wines, sample our freshly prepared food.

Being Christchurch’s main live music venue you can come and enjoy a boogie or sing along on our live music nights, all our gigs can be found on our website.

THOMAS TRIPP – YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL COMMUNITY PUB
Voted ‘Best Pub/Bar of the Year’ in the BH area by BH Stars
along with an award for ‘Best Sunday Roast’

www.thomastripp.co.uk

Kindly sponsored by:

Suretech IT

Suretech IT is a friendly, professional and experienced company which has proudly served Dorset Businesses for over 15 years, we value any size of business whether you are an individual working from home or operating a large office network but cannot justify the expense of an in-house IT Department.

www.suretechit.co.uk >

And

The Primrose Trust

Next event >

7th December’s surprise performers:

Blue Tides

We are an 8 piece band based in the Dorset/Hampshire area. We were first established in 2002 when our guitarist and arranger
Stephen Godsall got together with our drummer Anthony Climpson

Our sound is a luminous combination of flute, saxophone, brass, guitar,bass and drums

With three distinctive vocalists we play songs from the Great American and British Songbooks plus exciting original arrangements.

We are available for hire for any occasion!

http://www.bluetides.co.uk/

Wed 6 Dec – The Regent

Who will be tonight’s surprise performer?

Raising money for:

The Regent

We aim to provide a professionally run venue for the performance of theatre, music and film. To act as the cultural centre for Christchurch and the surrounding areas. To ensure that visitors to the Regent Centre enjoy the very best customer experience. To encourage and maintain the opportunity for volunteers to support the arts. To develop public access to the performing arts by an appropriate marketing strategy. To enable the development and expansion of the venue by fund‐raising and grant applications. Establishing and maintaining a Cinema Museum. Showcasing; the history of cinema, projection equipment, film & retail ephemera, and individual cinemas from Dorset and the surrounding area.

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

The Regent

The Regent provides a professionally run venue for the performance of theatre, music and film for Christchurch and surrounding areas. The development and expansion of the venue is achieved by fund raising and grant applications.

https://www.regentcentre.co.uk/

Kindly sponsored by:

Keith Motors

https://www.keithmotors.com/used-cars/christchurch/

6th December’s surprise performer:

Paul Walker Sings

Bringing you the smooth sounds from the cool days of Swing.

The journey of Paul’s love of great sounds and rhythms came originally from dance over 20 years ago.

Learning and developing swing moves he grew as a accomplished dancer, achieving UK Finalist and qualifying as a respected and motivational instructor.

But Paul’s first love was always what made the dance floors and rooms come alive ‘The Music’.

Singing tracks from stars of today and legends of smooth swing and class such as Michael Buble, Robbie Williams, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin and many more…

https://www.facebook.com/PaulWalkersings/

Next event >

Tue 5 Dec – Christchurch Library

Who will be tonight’s surprise performer?

Raising Money for:

Christchurch and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK

The Christchurch Branch of Parkinson’s UK came into being over forty years ago. We meet on the 4th Monday of each month and provide a full social program throughout the year with a guest speaker, tea and cake and social interaction. We have an Outing, a Summer party, and a Christmas Lunch and 4 Holidays have been enjoyed. We also provide weekly Tai Chi classes whom our members say are very beneficial.

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

Christchurch Library

Kindly sponsored by:

Anonymous Sponsor

Christchurch Library is right in the heart of Christchurch. The building now houses a BCP Council Hub, a Skills and Learning classroom and CAB offices as well as hundreds of books!
Membership of the Library is completely FREE!
We offer computer access for all, as well as access to online magazines, newspapers, e-books and e-audiobooks – all free with your membership card. We offer weekly Wriggle and Rhyme and Story Time Tribe sessions – again all free, as well as treasure hunts and craft activities throughout the holiday periods.
We also offer a free Home Delivery Service for our housebound readers and theircarers supported by the RVS.
We run crafty sessions for adults, a Reminiscence Group, Knit and Natter, Board Fridays, Chatterbooks, Family Code Club and a Lego club for all ages, every Saturday.
Every October we hold a Fun Palace event which is fun for all the family and completely free.
Reading and Writing Groups meet regularly both in the Library other venues with books supplied by the Library Service.
The Friends of Christchurch and Highcliffe Libraries also run events in both Libraries, raising much needed funds for all our added extras!

https://www.facebook.com/christchurchlibrary/

5th December’s surprise performer:

Sounds Like Fun Choir

Hello everyone! This is the page for our women’s choir, ‘Sounds like Fun!’ in Southbourne, Bournemouth.

We are a friendly, sociable, ladies choir meeting on a Tuesday evening from 7.30 – 9.00pm at Immanuel Church Southbourne – but no we are not a church choir!

Sounds Like Fun Choir Facebook page

Next event >

Sat 2 Dec – Priory North Porch

Tonight’s surprise performer

Bournemouth Male Voice Choir

Tonight’s event took place in the North Porch of the Priory, made atmospheric with subtle pale blue lights swirling across the ceiling. The acoustics were excellent and the choir sang an eclectic mix of classical and more modern pieces interspersed with traditional Christmas carols.

Raising money for:

Julia’s House

A cheque for £1,000 was presented by Peter Watson-Lee , of the Christchurch Charitable Trust, to Julia’s House charity. Delicious homemade brownies were provided by Big Wigs bakery. The charity provided raffle prizes which included a glamping weekend and afternoon tea for 2 at The Bear of Burton.

Julia’s House is not a typical children’s hospice. We provide practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, providing frequent and regular support in their own homes, in the community or at our hospices.

https://www.juliashouse.org

Tonight’s Venue:

The Priory, North Porch

There has been a church on the site of Christchurch Priory for over 1300 years, from the first Saxon building to the glorious Priory Church we see today.

Throughout the centuries, the worship of God, through Jesus Christ his Son and inspired by the Holy Spirit, has been at the heart of the Priory’s life and has fuelled its service to the local community. Very rarely has the voice of praise been stilled within these walls: once during the reign of King John, when the country was under Papal censure; once, at least, because of bubonic plague; and recently as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Our prayer and worship continues, but in new ways.

The Priory Church is open for visitors as well as for private prayer. We look forward to welcoming you.

Kindly sponsored by:

Christchurch Charitable Trust

Refreshments provided by:

More about 2nd December’s surprise performers:

Bournemouth Male Voice Choir

“We have an eclectic and varied programme of music to entertain and uplift in these uncertain times.”

Bournemouth Male Voice Choir on Facebook

Fundraising Pop-up Events held at a different venue each night: 1st - 24th December 2023

Presented by:

Fundraising Pop-up Events in December in Christchurch, Dorset

Author: admin

Charities supported by Rotary Partners

Kindly sponsored by:

Anonymous Sponsor

Join us at:

Saxon Square at 2pm

Refreshments provided by:

Lemon Garden Cakes

24th December’s surprise performers:

Christchurch U3A Vintage Band

Friends of the Red House Museum

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

The Red House Museum

Kindly sponsored by:

The Lockdown Band

Lewis Manning

Join us at tonight’s Venue & Refreshment Provider:

Ye Olde George Inn

Kindly sponsored by:

United Taxis

Sarah Harris

Christchurch Cancer Research

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

The Thomas Tripp

Kindly sponsored by:

Gervis Accountants

The Primrose Trust

21st December’s surprise performers:

Sarah Bolter

& Susie Kimber

Somerford ARC

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

Somerford ARC

Kindly sponsored by:

Hoburne Dental Practice

15th December’s surprise performer:

Christchurch & District Band

Rock Choir

Dorset Children’s Foundation

Tonight’s Venue:

Saxon Square

Kindly sponsored by:

Thank you to our anonymous sponsor for this event

Refreshments provided by:

Waitrose

1st December’s surprise performers:

Bournemouth Carnival Band

More about tonight’s performers

Rock Choir

Room to Reward

Join us at tonight’s Venue & Refreshment Provider:

The Thomas Tripp

Kindly sponsored by:

Suretech IT

The Primrose Trust

7th December’s surprise performers:

Blue Tides

The Regent

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

The Regent

Kindly sponsored by:

Keith Motors

6th December’s surprise performer:

Paul Walker Sings

Raising Money for:

Christchurch and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK

Join us at tonight’s Venue:

Christchurch Library

Kindly sponsored by:

Anonymous Sponsor

5th December’s surprise performer:

Sounds Like Fun Choir

Bournemouth Male Voice Choir

Julia’s House

Tonight’s Venue:

The Priory, North Porch

Kindly sponsored by: