Stroud charities are set to benefit by hundreds of pounds thanks to this year’s community carol services.
Ignition Gloucestershire, the local inter-church charity, is donating every penny raised from ticket sales to Stroud Beresford Group Women’s Refuge, The Door Youth Project and Marah.
Similar to a scheme run in Waitrose, Stroud, those attending can decide which of the three charities they wish to support by placing their ticket in a named Christmas present as they exit the Carol Service. The funds will then be divided accordingly.
“For safety reasons due to the numbers expected, this needed to be a ticket only event. We also wanted to benefit the Stroud community and inject a bit of fun into proceedings, giving people a voice as to how their own ticket money would benefit a local charity. The three charities we have chosen each deal with a different aspect of a sometimes troubled area of community life where we love to see fresh hope given to individuals,” Ignition Chair Martin Pearson explains.
“It’s apparent from previous years events, that people from all church backgrounds, and those with none, love to come together to sing, enjoy themselves and connect afresh with the true meaning of Christmas. The hope is that we can all enjoy ourselves and at the same time raise funds for local Stroud projects.”
This year Ignition is organising two special Community Carol Services on Tuesday 9th December at St Laurence Church in Stroud, with special guest speaker Jeff Lucas, an international speaker, broadcaster and best-selling author, well-known for his down-to-earth sense of humour.
The 6pm service is a Special Family Service, suitable for children of all ages. It will include puppets, a children’s choir from Beaudesert School, The Beacon Gospel Choir and readings from Debbie Sleep, head teacher at Stroud Valley Community School. (Family tickets are available at £10 for up to five family members)
The 8pm service will feature The Beacon Gospel Choir, local journalist/singer Tracy Spiers and singer/songwriter Roy Ballard, as well as readings from community favourites Clare Gerbrands, the inspiration behind Stroud’s Farmers Market and Pete Withey from James & Owen.
Tickets for both services are now on sale from Stroud Tourist Information Centre and Centre Christian Bookshop in Stroud, priced at just £3 each. The credit card booking telephone number is 01453 760900.
