Published on: Tuesday 18 Dec 2018 at 14:35
Bishop’s Stortford Woodwind Band brings festive cheer with carol service
The ‘Woodwind of Stortford’ band visited patients staying at our Inpatient Unit on Monday 17th December 2018 to play festive music and Christmas carols.
The event marked the fifth year in which the woodwind band has visited St Clare during the Christmas period, with their continued support being well received amongst patients, family members and relatives, and staff. The carol service was once again organised by Bishop’s Stortford resident, and St Clare Inpatient Unit Volunteer, Goolmohr “Georgie” Cantel.
The concert was given a boost by the singing of players from West Ham’s Under-23 squad who joined in the carols. The team were visiting the Hospice, bringing festive cheer, and making a donation of £1,000 to St Clare Hospice, when they were asked to join in the carol service.
The Woodwind of Stortford Leader, Mary Stock said: “It’s always our honour and privilege to come and play our music for those who are staying at St Clare over Christmas. It is so moving and rewarding for us as a group to see people’s faces light up when they hear the familiar, festive songs we play. We hope that by bringing the sound of the holiday season to St Clare, we help to make what can be a very difficult time for people just that small bit easier during Christmas.”
St Clare’s Inpatient Unit Manager, Lynne Hooper, said: “It was such a pleasure to have the Bishop’s Stortford Woodwind Band come and visit us on the Inpatient Unit, just 8 days from Christmas. The kind gesture brought the warmth and magic of the yuletide season to the hospice for those who are going through one of life’s most difficult journeys, facing a life-limiting illness. Little things like this make all the difference for patients and their families who are staying with us over Christmas, embodying what hospice care is all about and showing how truly special it is.”
Lynne continued: “We’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the band for coming and volunteering their time to bring a smile to those who are with us on our Inpatient Unit. Everyone loved the jolly music, and it really brought the festive atmosphere to St Clare.”