2021 Archives - Christchurch Living Advent Calendar

Sun 19 Dec – The Bandstand on the Quay

Venue: The Bandstand on the Quay

It was a very jolly 19th night of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar. James Emmett’s Ragtime Band gave a delightful performance in front of a very engaged audience at The Bandstand of The Quay.

The band involved everyone in dancing and singing and the audience had a really good time.

The charity of the evening was the local fundraising organisation of Christchurch and Highcliffe Marie Curie. Lorraine Nutland from Marie Curie received a cheque for £500 from Clare Cherry, Rotarian and Trustee of Christchurch Charitable Trust.

The Trust has very generously sponsored three evenings of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar so far. President-elect of Christchurch Rotary Vince Banks thanked everyone involved.

Vince Banks, President Elect of The Rotary Club, thanks the sponsors as well as the ‘Living Advent Calendar Team” of energetic Rotarians led by Jan Banks; Mike Wood, Nina Devlin, Rita Rogers, Janice Straughan and June Matthews who have put so much time into organising all these events.

The entertainment was provided by:

James Emmett’s Ragtime Revellers –
December 19th’s surprise performers!

Traditional Jazz has seen many revivals over the last 50 years. The first being in the 50s with the likes of Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen and again in the 1970s with bands that topped the charts such as The Temperance 7. Today, James and the gang are proud to present the Ragtime Revellers!

Initially formed in 2012. James Emmett had a vision to bring live traditional good time jazz back into the public eye and into the gardens and organisations of all those who love live music.

They played a broad selection of toe Tapping Trad Jazz.

Website: https://www.ragtimerevellers.co.uk
Ragtime Revellers on Facebook

YouTube: search Ragtime Revellers

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Marie Curie Fundraising: Christchurch & Highcliffe

The UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie is here to support everyone in the UK through all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. Last year in Dorset, our team of 78 staff delivered over 57,000 hours of specialist care to 1,730 patients in their own homes, allowing families to get a much-needed rest and enabling them to be more than just a carer. To be a husband, wife, partner, daughter, son or friend, again.

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/local/groups/christchurch-and-highcliffe-fundraising-group

Marie Curie Fundraising Christchurch & Highcliffe on Facebook

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Christchurch Charitable Trust

The Christchurch Charitable Trust is a local, independent, registered charity who are able to provide financial support by way of grants to organisations and projects which benefit the community in the Christchurch area.

We invite applications for funds from not-for-profit groups and organisations including registered charities, community interest groups, service organisations, volunteer groups, youth groups, local town and parish councils and the like.

https://christchurchtrust.org.uk/

Refreshments provided by Mela Indian Restaurant & Takeaway – thank you!

Image Credits

Fri 17 Dec – The Regent Centre

Venue: The Regent Centre

Glad Rags Theatre opened the 17th ‘window” of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar(CLAC) with a preview of their splendid Christmas show in The Regent Centre tonight.

On behalf of the evening sponsors Pippa and Kelvin Medley-Jones from The Primrose Fund the leader of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar Jan Banks presented a cheque for £500 to Oskar Sellick-Pilley, Manager of The Regent Centre.

The President of Christchurch Rotary Club Marianne Abley thanked the audience for their continuing support and the members of ClAC team for their hard work.

Living Advent Calendar organiser Jan Banks presenting the sponsor cheque of £500 to The Regent Centre.

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

The Regent Centre

The Regent centre 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/

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

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.

Thanks to the Regent Centre for the venue & refreshments!

Image Credits

Thurs 16 Dec – Town Hall Arches

Venue: Town Hall Arches

The 16th night of the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar was held in Saxon Square.

The Treasurer of Christchurch Rotary Club David Hancock welcomed the audience and introduced the charity – University Hospitals NHS Charity. Their representative Karen Smith introduced the charity and the great work they do. Stephen Godsall (guitar) entertained the audience. Rotarian and evening sponsor Colin Mattthews from ERCO Coaching presented a cheque for £500 to Karen. Tonight the best fundraiser was Rotarian Mike Kearley.

Stephen Godsall –
December 16th’s surprise performer!

Stephen Godsall is a composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Dorset.

His new album “We could fix everything” has just been released on the Jazzhalo label and on Bandcamp.

Stephen performed improvised variations on Christmas tunes using solo guitar and electronics.

https://www.stephengodsall.co.uk/

Stephen Godsall on YouTube

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity

Established to make a difference to every patient and every condition that is treated at our hospitals and provide added value to provisions made though NHS funding. By working with the community and businesses we help provide a better environment, extra equipment and training to help improve the health and wellbeing of both our patients and our staff.

www.uhdcharity.org

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Erko Coaching

www.erkocoaching.uk

ERKO Coaching is a Bournemouth based company that provides business coaches to local organisations. Our coaches help employees to develop their capabilities to the highest levels. We also provide a range of assessment tools and exercises for recruitment and staff development.

Thanks to the venue:

Town Hall Arches in Saxon Square

https://www.saxon-square.co.uk/

Weds 15 Dec – Saxon Square

Venue: Saxon Square

Great evening in the Saxon Square tonight! Dry and mild weather, lights, snow and a joyful performance from Highcliffe Charity Players. The atmosphere was fantastic!

The charity of the evening was SYCC (Somerford Youth and Community Centre) presented by Tina Pinwill, Trustee. A cheque for £500 was given by Adam McCormack from KAMM Civil Engineering who sponsored the event tonight.

Highcliffe Charity Players –
December 15th’s surprise performers!

Highcliffe Charity Players have been entertaining audiences in Highcliffe and Christchurch for over 50 years, all while raising money for local causes.

Their annual pantomime at the Regent Centre is a community staple, filled with toe tapping musical numbers, sumptuous costumes and a healthy dose of slapstick. The Players are currently in rehearsal for Sleeping Beauty, which plays from the 27th – 30th of January at the Regent Centre.

Highcliffe Charity Players performed show-stopping collection of festive favourites, complete with their trademark high energy routines and dazzling smiles.

http://www.highcliffecharityplayers.com

Highcliffe Charity Players on Facebook

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Somerford Youth and Community Centre

Somerford Youth and Community Centre provides services and activities to local people with a focus on those who are disadvantaged and deprived. A lot of our work focuses on providing activities for young people to help them improve their confidence and self-esteem and to enable them to develop key life skills by creating opportunities to enable them to have positive futures in life. We also run projects for all age groups such as our community gym and our community food project, The People’s Pantry which is a membership scheme that provides families who experience food poverty with weekly food which they can come and choose for themselves.

https://sycc.org.uk/index.html

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.

www.saxon-square.co.uk

Refreshments by:

Norris & Binglewort

www.facebook.com/norrisandbinglewort/

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Kamm Civil Engineering

We employ over 195 qualified personnel covering all aspects of civil engineering from our head offices near Bournemouth in Dorset.

http://www.kammgroup.co.uk/

Image Credits

Thurs 23 Dec – Baptist Church

Venue: The Baptist Church

Tonight’s event took place at Christchurch Baptist Church in aid of the Bournemouth Blind Society. As they were unfortunately unable to attend in person, their Chief Executive, Phillip Tarrant, sent a Welcome message which was read out by Rotarian Jan Banks before she introduced tonight’s wonderful performers, The Fifinellas.

The event was kindly sponsored by Matt from Tony’s Hairdressing and on behalf of the charity, Jan Banks gratefully accepted his cheque for £500.

Highlights of the event

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Bournemouth Blind Society

Believed to be Bournemouth’s oldest independent charity, Bournemouth Blind Society works across the BCP area supporting blind and partially sighted to lead active and independent lives. We do this by providing the following services: Emotional Support, Community Support, Sight & Hearing Resource Centre, Befriending and Social Groups.

https://www.bournemouthblindsociety.uk/

The entertainment was provided by:

The Fifinellas – 23rd December’s surprise performers!

We are a vocal harmony trio; Annie, George & Loo sing a combination of 1940’s classics, swing, jazz and songs of today in an old fashioned way!

The Fifinellas got us in the mood with a performance of vintage classics, postmodern jukebox and a sprinkling of Christmas cheer!

Follow the Fifinellas on Facebook

View more on our YouTube channel

Thanks to the venue:

The Baptist Church

We’d like you to feel totally welcome at Christchurch Baptist Church (CBC). We don’t mind who you are, what you’ve done or what you’re like. We’re just glad you’ve decided to join us. Our prayer is that you will be honoured, inspired and engaged when you join any of our church activities.

www.christchurchbaptist.org.uk/

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Tony Hairdressing

Locally based, independent hairdressers at the top of the High Street.

http://www.tonyhair.co.uk/

Refreshments provided by Meadowbrook Produce – thank you!

Image Credits

Christchurch Baptist Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © David Martin – geograph.org.uk/p/6002751

Weds 22 Dec – Saxon Square

Venue: Saxon Square

Tonight’s event took place in Saxon Square, Christchurch. The performer was the Funky Little Choir; the charity was Christchurch Rotary Club’s Christmas Appeal in aid of Macmillan Caring Locally, Christchurch Salvation Army and Christchurch Community Partnership Dementia Project.

Videos will be added shortly.

The sponsors were Pippa & Kelvin Medley-Jones from Primrose Charitable Trust and they presented a cheque for £500 to Marianne Abley, the President of Christchurch Rotary Club. Brian Clarke of the Christchurch Rotary Club introduced the performer.

Pippa and Kelvin Medley-Jones of The Primrose Charity Trust presenting their sponsor’s cheque to the Dorset Community Foundation.

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Dorset Community Foundation

In this last year we have awarded more than £1.2 million in grants to charities, groups and individuals across the county. Our donors and funders trust us to use their money where it can make the most impact because our expertise and knowledge of where the need exists in Dorset is unrivalled.
Because we are not cause specific, we can consider funding any area of disadvantage as long as it is Dorset-based. To find out more about us, how to donate and the grants we have available, see:

dorsetcommunityfoundation.org

Tonight’s entertainment was provided by:

The Funky Little Choir –
December 22nd’s surprise performers!

The Funky Little Choir are a contemporary choir based in Bournemouth, no experience needed we love to sing

They performed some traditional Christmas songs with a fresh twist.

Website: www.funkychoir.com

Thanks to the venue & sponsor:

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

Refreshments provided by Route 66 American Restaurant in Saxon Square – thank you!

Image Credits

Tues 21 Dec – Red House Museum Gardens

Audience for 11th window opening of Christchurch LIving Advent Calendar

Venue: The Red House Museum Courtyard

The 21st “window” of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar was opened by a very creative and enthusiastic show by the Lockdown Family Band.

The audience really enjoyed joining in the innovative entertainment – a rousing festive ‘Karoloke’ in the beautiful courtyard of the Red House Museum.

The principal and evening sponsors were Pippa and Kelvin Medley-Jones from Primrose Charitable Trust. They presented a cheque for £500 to Carolyn Guest from the charity Friends of Red House Museum.

The Lockdown Band –
December 21st’s surprise performers!

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

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

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

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

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.

Thanks to the venue & refreshments provider:

The Red House Museum

Image Credits

Sat 18 Dec – Saxon Square

Venue: Saxon Square

Surprise performers Jitterbug Jive involved everyone in a passionate jive in Saxon Square tonight (see video further down the page)!

A fantastic night of festive and community spirit on 18th night of Christchurch Living Advent Calendar!

Rotarian Peter Boardman introduced the event. The evening sponsor was Christchurch Care, a company that was voted the Best Home Care Provider of the Year in Dorset by the reader of Daily Echo.

Naomi Gardiner from Christchurchcare presented a cheque for £500
to Sandra Prudom from Christchurch Community Partnership, the charity of the evening.

Jitterbug Jive –
December 18th’s surprise performers!

JitterbugJive are a Lindy Hop Dance Troupe from Bournemouth.

They danced a set of Lindy Hop routines for our entertainment then invited everyone to join in a short fun lesson.

JitterbugJive perform at a number of festivals and at parties throughout the year and also run Lindy Hop workshops.

Please see more about JitterbugJive at their website:

http://www.jitterbugjive.co.uk

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Christchurch Community Partnership

The CCP exists to combat social isolation across the age demographic in our community of Christchurch. We do this in two ways – by directly delivering services, and by influencing other organisations and agencies to work collaboratively to identify and fill any gaps, and to avoid duplication of services.

www.christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk

Also including Christchurch Angels: We are an award-winning voluntary befriending service for residents in the Christchurch area who need short-term help in times of difficulty or crisis.

https://www.christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk/angels.html

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Christchurch Care

Christchurch Care is a family run specialist agency supporting care homes, national charities, supported living and other healthcare environments with temporary staff, often at very short notice.

Our domiciliary team specialise in providing high quality care to support individuals in their own home. Our care packages include regular daily visits of up to six visits per day to support individuals with personal care, meal times and maintaining a safe environment.

www.christchurchcare.co.uk

Thanks to the venue:

Saxon Square

https://www.saxon-square.co.uk/

Image Credits

Refreshments provider: Marks & Spencer – thank you!

Fri 24 Dec – Saxon Square

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.

Website: www.christchurchu3a.org.uk/vintagebrass

Vintage Brass on Facebook

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.

http://www.ashleysbirthdaybank.com/

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.

Little Lives Website

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.

www.saxon-square.co.uk

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.

Refreshments provided by Sweets by Rita – thank you!

Mon 13 Dec – Ye Olde George Inn

Venue: Ye Olde George Inn

What a fantastic performer tonight! Paul Walker gave a very entertaining Christmas show to the audience at The Ye Olde George Inn.

Anita Weldon from Listening Ear introduced the charity. Jamie Kerk from Ye Olde George Inn provided a very warm welcome and service. The evening sponsor was anonymous so the Chair of the CLAC team Jan Banks gave the cheque for £500 to Anita Weldon from Listening Ear.

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

The Listening Ear

The Listening Ear provides one to one counselling within school settings to children and young people aged 5-19 residing in and/or attending school in the BCP Council area. We support children and young people with a range of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, adverse childhood experiences, anger management, trauma, alcohol & drug misuse, and abuse. We provide a confidential and safe space where they can express their feelings, explore the impact of their choices, and learn techniques to help manage their emotional and mental wellbeing.

https://www.the-listening-ear.org/

Thanks to the venue & refreshments 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

Image Credits

Fundraising Pop-up Events in December in Christchurch, Dorset

Presented by:

Fundraising Pop-up Events in December in Christchurch, Dorset

Presented by:

Fundraising Pop-up Events in December in Christchurch, Dorset

Presented by:

Fundraising Pop-up Events in December presented by:

Category: 2021

Venue: The Bandstand on the Quay

The entertainment was provided by:

James Emmett’s Ragtime Revellers – December 19th’s surprise performers!

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Marie Curie Fundraising: Christchurch & Highcliffe

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Christchurch Charitable Trust

Refreshments provided by Mela Indian Restaurant & Takeaway – thank you!

Venue: The Regent Centre

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

The Regent Centre

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

The Primrose Charitable Trust

Thanks to the Regent Centre for the venue & refreshments!

Venue: Town Hall Arches

Stephen Godsall – December 16th’s surprise performer!

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Erko Coaching

Thanks to the venue:

Town Hall Arches in Saxon Square

Venue: Saxon Square

Highcliffe Charity Players – December 15th’s surprise performers!

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Somerford Youth and Community Centre

Thanks to the venue:

Saxon Square

Refreshments by:

Norris & Binglewort

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Kamm Civil Engineering

Venue: The Baptist Church

Highlights of the event

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Bournemouth Blind Society

The entertainment was provided by:

The Fifinellas – 23rd December’s surprise performers!

Thanks to the venue:

The Baptist Church

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Tony Hairdressing

Refreshments provided by Meadowbrook Produce – thank you!

Venue: Saxon Square

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Dorset Community Foundation

Tonight’s entertainment was provided by:

The Funky Little Choir – December 22nd’s surprise performers!

Thanks to the venue & sponsor:

Saxon Square

Refreshments provided by Route 66 American Restaurant in Saxon Square – thank you!

Venue: The Red House Museum Courtyard

The Lockdown Band – December 21st’s surprise performers!

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Friends of the Red House Museum

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

The Primrose Charitable Trust

Thanks to the venue & refreshments provider:

The Red House Museum

Venue: Saxon Square

Jitterbug Jive – December 18th’s surprise performers!

Tonight’s charity – all funds raised go to:

Christchurch Community Partnership

Thanks to our sponsor for tonight’s event:

Christchurch Care

Thanks to the venue:

Saxon Square

Refreshments provider: Marks & Spencer – thank you!

Thanks for joining us on Christmas Eve in Saxon Square:

Highlights of the final event:

The entertainment was provided by:

Christchurch u3a Vintage Brass – December 24th’s surprise performers!

James Emmett’s Ragtime Revellers –
December 19th’s surprise performers!

Stephen Godsall –
December 16th’s surprise performer!

Highcliffe Charity Players –
December 15th’s surprise performers!

The Funky Little Choir –
December 22nd’s surprise performers!

The Lockdown Band –
December 21st’s surprise performers!

Jitterbug Jive –
December 18th’s surprise performers!

Christchurch u3a Vintage Brass –
December 24th’s surprise performers!