Michael Aspel makes a Grand impact at Concert!

Claygate Church full of Christmas cheer and Celebrity!

Saturday 10 December saw the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, Claygate host a Candlelight Carol concert in aid of Princess Alice Hospice; this was final event during the charity’s 25th anniversary year and capped a successful year of fundraising events. The event organiser Jane Formby, Hospice Trustee was delighted to welcome Mr Keith Howell-Jones - representing Howell Jones LLP Solicitors who sponsored the event to the tune of £1,000 – and his wife Joan who is a member of the Esher Friends of Princess Alice Hospice committee.

Hospice Patron, Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Elmbridge and TV legend Michael Aspel O.B.E was the specially invited celebrity reader as was joined by The Worshipful Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr John Sheldon and The Mayoress of Elmbridge, Cllr Mary Sheldon, Mr Nicholas Woolf, Chairman of Trustees, Mrs Fiona Woolf C.B.E – Alderman and Sherrif in the City of London and over 300 Hospice supporters.

 The concert took place under the expert leadership of compèer Frank Renton from the hit BBC Radio  2 show ‘Listen to the Band’, he led everyone in festive song, joining them was talented guitarist Tom  Ellis and Pegasus one of London’s leading chamber choirs.

 Natallie Walters, Community Fundraising Manager said

 ‘The concert is a hugely popular event in our fundraising calendar. The event is just one of many that our dedicated ‘Friends of Princess Alice Hospice’ groups organise throughout the year. It was wonderful to welcome Michael back for one of our final 25th anniversary flagship events. Michael hosted this event in the past and is a very popular reader and always ensures a great bucket collection at the end of the evening. This year we raised a record £1,000 from the collection alone’.

Hospice supporters, staff, trustees and volunteers enjoyed the evening of festive fun with mince pies, wine and the opportunity to support the Hospice by buying Pegasus Choir CDs, promotional goods and Christmas cards from members of the Claygate Friends of Princess Alice Hospice.

The event was a great success generating over £5,700, this could fund 60 visits to a patient’s home from the community Princess Alice Nurse team, the nurses offer vital care and support advise and work with district nurses and GPs to ensure consistent levels of care.

For further details about supporting future concerts, bridge lunches, Sky Dives and many other events, please contact 01372 461869 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it