Community Carol Singing for Prospect Hospice

Festive cheer and power to the community! This years event was much bigger than lasts years with 12 groups singing in the community. Everyone agreed that this event really does put one into the Christmas spirit and next year it is hoped that even more singers will gather together in order to raise funds for the Prospect Hospice.

Josie Williams, the Community Arts Development Officer at Commonweal School, has fond memories of singing with her late mum in Goddard Avenue, and urged people from across Swindon to give one hour in the week before Christmas to raise funds for Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.

“Mum and I used to go out carol singing along Goddard Avenue where I live on Christmas Eve and raise money for charity,” said Josie. “The people often said it really made it feel like Christmas.

“Sadly my Mum passed away four years ago of cancer, and the idea is in honour of her,” she added. “Many people have lost loved ones at this time of year and carol singing is a great way to remember those who are no longer with us in body."

Edna Williams was a great lady and she loved to sing. Indeed she won numerous medals at the Swindon Music Festival and was in the Thamesdown Ladies Choir amongst others. She loved people and frequently ‘…entertained the old folk in nursing homes’, as she used to say, although she was in her eighties at the time!”

“Commonweal School is committed to community performing arts, so encouraging neighbours to get together and go out and carol sing for an hour on 21st December from 6-7 pm was a great way to meet your neighbours, spend a fun hour with friends and raise money for the Prospect Hospice.” adds Josie.

“Josie’s idea to raise funds for Prospect Hospice through community carol singing is one we really want people to get behind,” says Prospect’s community fundraiser Daniel McNally. “Everyone loves Christmas carols and if lots of people just take one evening in the run up to the big day, it could raise valuable funds to support the care of our patients over the Christmas and into the new year.”