Volunteers attend royal carol service
Our fantastic Hearing Link Services’ peer support volunteers Julia and Denis brushed shoulders with the Royal family, celebrities and many more at the annual HRH The Princess of Wales ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service.
Julia and Denis attended the carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday 6 December. They were representing our charity Hearing Dog for Deaf People and enjoyed a wonderful evening of music.
The concert will be aired tomorrow night (Christmas Eve) on ITV1 and ITVX.
A privilege
Julia said: “Denis and I were privileged to be invited by the Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation to the Carol Service in Westminster Abbey on Friday December. It was amazing! So proud to be actively doing work with my great friends at Hearing Link Services to help those who are deaf.”
“Hearing loss is often regarded as a hidden disability and it is one that changes lives and makes life in a hearing world difficult. Our charity helps to make a difference.”
The service was dedicated to those who have shown love, kindness and empathy to others in the community.
Westminster Abbey was decorated with Christmas trees donated by HRH King Charles III from Windsor Great Park. Following the service these were donated to the local community.
Each guest was presented with a service sheet with a drawing by artist Charlie Mackesy (shown below).
A beautiful evening at the concert
Julia and Denis, who help out with Hearing Link Services including information events, support groups and much more, had a marvellous time.
Julia added: “The service was incredible. We sang many great carols, listened to the choir and other singers, including Paloma Faith, community choirs and members of the Royal Ballet performed. Amongst the readings was an extract from A Christmas Carol read by actor Richard E. Grant. As a celebration, it could not be bettered and started the festive season perfectly.
“Thank you to the wonderful Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation who made such an event possible – it started Christmas and it will remain a firm memory into the New Year and beyond.
“It will be a constant reminder when I think back over that hour of all the people gathered in that Abbey with the Royal Family who, in so many different walks of life, hold out a helping hand to those who, for whatever reason, need someone to walk alongside them – just as all the peer support volunteers do at Hearing Link Services. We were glad to represent the charity.”
Tune in tomorrow evening (24 December) on ITV1 or ITVX to watch this year’s service.