Large crowds brave the cold to Light up a Life

Hundreds of people braved the cold to take part in a Carols in the Castle event on Thursday which incorporated the Light up a Life Service previously held at Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark.

The evening was jointly organised by Churches Together in Newark and the hospice. So many people attended the organisers quickly ran out of the order of service booklets.

Miss Joanna Parlby, a director at Beaumond House, welcomed the large crowd and said they were delighted to have relocated the remembrance ser vice to the spectacular castle grounds.

"Christmas is a special time of the year but can also be a difficult time without those we love," she said.

"By lighting up a life we hope that this time of reflection will bring comfort."

Miss Parlby said there were many people who had helped make the evening possible but they were particularly grateful to the chairman of Newark Churches Together Captain Matt Elsey, the Salvation Army whose band played at the event, and the castle warden Floss Newman whose ideas and support for the event ensured it had come together.

Mr Elsey said the hospice had been instigated by Churches Together 30 years ago and chaplains representing churches throughout the town regularly visited Beaumond House.

He said they were privileged to be part of the event and said it was great to see such a fantastic turnout.

"We recognise that for many Christmas can be a difficult time to cope with," he said. "Our hope is that through this service we will provide support and comfort as we reflect on the lives of those who have passed away. Singer Eva Chappell of Balderton sang at the start of the evening and there were readings and prayers by representatives of the churches who make up the Churches Together group.

Towards the end of the service lanterns were lit in memory of loved ones and placed by the castle walls.

Mrs and Mrs Neil Mayfield of Newark said they felt it was a wonderful evening and a really special way to start their Christmas celebrations.

"We always try to go to a carol service at Christmas and when we saw this event was going to be held in the castle grounds we thought what a lovely idea," said Mrs Sarah Mayfield.

Mr Barry Andrews of Balderton brought along his granddaughters Sophie, 10, and Katie, 8, Andrews. He said he thought it was a great venue and was pleased that so many people had come along.

"There seem to have been a lot more events at the castle this year," he said. "We are so lucky to have the castle and it is good that we finally seem to be making the most of it."

During the afternoon families were invited to the castle grounds to see Father Christmas on his sleigh and make Christmas angels with the help of community artist Kerry O'Brien of Radcliffe. The event was supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council who gave £400 from its arts budget.

Mr Andrew Holt who runs Dolittles Animal Sanctuary at Claypole brought along four-year-old donkeys Evie and Cookie.

"They were in a fair condition but just needed a bit of looking after and a forever home," he said.

Fundraising and marketing manager for the hospice Cathy Lowe said it had been a fantastic event and extremely well supported.

"We were just dipping our toe in the water this year," she said. "But working in partnership with others we can make it even better next year."