Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust got into the Christmas spirit yesterday as both Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital hosted their Christmas lights switch on and carol services.
Reverend Martin McDonald held a service in the chapel at RPH, backed by the Fulwood Methodist Community Choir, who sang O Little Town of Bethlehem, Once in Royal David’s City, and a new interpretation of the First Noel – written by one of the country's leading choral composers Bob Chilcott, the centrepiece of this year’s Church of England Christmas focus: Follow The Star: Join The Song.
They then finished with Silent Night before a rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
In his welcome, Martin said: “I always think that when the lights come on, they become a symbol of what Christmas is really about. It’s not just about brightening up a gloomy time of the year, it’s about bringing light and hope into the darkness as God arrives to journey with humanity in the form of Jesus Christ.”
There were readings from the prophet Isaiah and the gospel of Luke, before Dan Hill, Head of Hospital Charities, lit the Advent candle.
Martin thanked the charity and Estates team for their help with the Christmas tree opposite the chapel, as well as the choir, who again kindly came in to lead us in song.
Reverend Simon Gilbert also hosted a similar event at Chorley, with a service at lunchtime in the chapel.
Later in the afternoon, Gus Whittle, a colleague in the Trust’s Portering department, switched on the Christmas lights at the at the main entrance.
The carol service was the first in-person event in the chapel at Chorley since COVID-19. It was well-attended, led by Reverend Simon Gilbertson, with prayers and well-loved carols such as O Little Town of Bethlehem, Once in Royal David’s City, Away in a Manger and a final stirring rendition of O Come All Ye Faithful, all accompanied by the organist Ian Spencer.
There were readings from Physio and Curate in the Church of England Reverend Liz Gethin, Barbara Hargreaves, a Volunteer with the Pastoral Care Service, Andrew King, a Volunteer from St Josephs in Chorley, and Cornelius Asgher, Ordinate at St Laurence's in Chorley.
