Mayor takes part in Community Carol Service

The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Harry Atkinson shared a reading at a recent Community Carol Service, which was supported by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.

On 9th December, with the support of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, Erewash collectively joined communities across the UK in hosting a ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service in Ilkeston for local organisations. 

The event, supported by The Royal Foundation, was part of an annual initiative spearheaded by The Princess of Wales to recognise and to thank the many people around the country who act with their communities at heart. 

This local event was inspired by Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales’s service which was attended by 1,600 at Westminster Abbey and will be televised on Christmas Eve on ITV1 and ITVX. 

This year, the services bring people together to celebrate love in all its forms – whether it’s love within families, through friendship, across communities, or even through powerful moments of connection with strangers. 

The Ilkeston service was one of a select few taking place around the country with the borough event held at St Mary’s Parish Church, bringing together schoolchildren and a 350-strong congregation. 

This included many groups from local charities, voluntary organisations, schools, religious and creative organisations as well as representatives from the military, public and emergency services. 

The event honoured those individuals and organisations who have created and shown love to foster compassion and togetherness in the community. Attendees each received a heartfelt letter from the Princess of Wales about how Christmas “invites us to remember the power of reaching out to one another with generosity of heart, understanding and hope."

There were hymns and songs from the Grand Central Chorus, The Embark Choir, Harpur Hill Brass, and West End Star, Jonny Fines.

Erewash Sound Brand Ambassador, Jeff Martin, attended the event on invite, on behalf of the radio station. He said: "I'm proud to have attended the Royal Foundation Community Carol Service - a really wonderful event at St. Mary's Church, Ilkeston. Well done to all the performers - I'm feeling quite festive now!"

Speaking ahead of the event, the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Harry Atkinson said: “I’m excited about this opportunity to celebrate our incredible local organisations and individuals who are so important to our community in Ilkeston. I’m honoured to be part of this incredible event, and look forward to sharing the reading and enjoying songs together from the talented choirs and bands who will have worked hard to prepare for this service.”

Amanda Berry CBE, CEO, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, commented: “Our Royal Foundation Community Carol Services embody the true spirit of the festive season. This December marks the fourth year that The Royal Foundation has had the privilege of supporting these special community gatherings, shining a light on truly remarkable people right across the UK. From small towns to major cities, these wonderful and uplifting occasions bring people together to honour those who have made a lasting difference in their communities throughout the year.” 

The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE said: “I’m delighted that Ilkeston is hosting one of the Community Carol Services this year. This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community, to celebrate those who are truly making a difference. It’s a bit like a royal garden party but at Christmas to bring people together and celebrate great works.

"We’ve invited people from all sorts of different backgrounds across the community – a lot of the charitable sector, some of the key services, some of our amazing young cadets. We have schools, we have individuals who have made a special difference to the community.” Asked if anyone can go to the service, the Lord-Lieutenant said St Mary’s will be packed so “can’t just open the doors”. She added: “I wish we could have everybody there.”