Schools & Charity Join Forces To Remember Troops At Christmas

On Saturday 10th December, Saint Mary’s Church in Beverley will be hosting a Christmas concert to raise money for the country’s oldest military charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help.

The ‘Celebration of Christmas’ is being organised by SSAFA East Yorkshire and Longcroft School, featuring music from the Band 150 (Yorkshire) Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps and St Mary’s School and St Nicholas School choirs. Students from Longcroft will also be singing, alongside opportunities for the whole audience to join in with Christmas carols and to enjoy festive readings.

Councillor David Elvidge, Chairman of SSAFA Forces Help East Yorkshire, explained: “Christmas is a time for family and friends, but for men and women in the Armed Forces, they may be thousands of miles away from home. Some will be in places like Afghanistan, where regardless of the festive season, they will be carrying out patrols and facing the same challenges and dangers as they do every day of the year. This concert is not just a time for people to gather and celebrate the season, but also to spare a thought for our troops and pray for their safe return.”

Funds raised at the concert will go towards the work of the East Yorkshire branch, but the event is also an opportunity for people to find out about the work SSAFA Forces Help carries out. Established over 125 years ago, the charity helps and supports those who serve in our Armed Forces and those who used to serve – even if it was only for a single day. It also care for the families of both. Last year alone, SSAFA’s professional staff and trained volunteers provided a reliable, caring and trusted service to more than 50,000 people across the UK.

Julie Harris, Longcroft School’s Deputy Curriculum Leader of Performing Arts and a music teacher, said: “Longcroft has long-established links with families at Normandy Barracks in Leconfield and over the years we have taught many students from forces families. Therefore, it seemed natural for us to use our Performing Arts specialism to help SSAFA with this concert and we look forward to seeing families and guests get into the festive spirit in the name of a good cause.”

Councillor Elvidge added: “You don’t have to have any personal links with the Armed Forces to attend this event – everyone is welcome and as far as we are concerned, the more the merrier!”

The concert starts at 3pm, with mince pies and hot drinks served afterwards. If anyone would like more information, they can call David Elvidge on 01482 870979.