On the evening of 12th December, we hosted our much-anticipated annual Christmas Carol Service at Mildmay Hospital.
This year’s service was especially memorable, as it was held on-site at the hospital for the first time in several years. The overwhelming turnout filled our largest meeting room to capacity.
We had such a wonderful response that we moved to the biggest space available. Even with over 55 seats, the room was full, with several people standing around the periphery. Determined not to let anyone miss out, we broadcast the service via Zoom to the hospital’s chapel, where an overflow congregation could join by watching the service projected onto the wall.
Before the service began, we were delighted to share a special film featuring a conversation between two of our longstanding and venerable patrons: Sir Cliff Richard OBE and the Reverend Canon Roger Royle. In the film, they reflected on their personal connections to Mildmay and celebrated the naming of the London Overground Mildmay Line in honour of the hospital’s legacy.
This conversation highlighted the deep, enduring support that both Sir Cliff and Canon Roger have shown over the years, and it was a reminder of how important Mildmay’s work continues to be. Following the film, the Very Revd John Richardson paid tribute to both patrons, expressing our gratitude for their dedication. He also took a moment to celebrate the 90th birthday of our beloved patron, Dame Judi Dench OBE, whose support has been invaluable to Mildmay.
This community event brought together trustees, staff, patients, and friends of our hospital. Our Chief Executive, Geoff Coleman, opened the service with a warm welcome and a moment of reflection, encouraging us to pause and consider the troubles and conflicts in the world. Prayers were offered for wisdom and peace for world leaders, for the global Church in its mission of love, for our families and friends, and especially for the work of the NHS and Mildmay’s ongoing efforts in London, Kenya, and Uganda.
The service was led by our Chair of Trustees, the Very Revd John Richardson, who is also the vicar of Maidstone in Kent and is celebrating an incredible 50 years since his ordination. His Reflection, centred on the theme “They Followed a Bright Star,” beautifully retold the story of the shepherds on their journey to Bethlehem.
Traditional Christmas carols filled the room, including Silent Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and a rousing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing to close. Readings were shared by our volunteer chaplains, Vicki Rawding and Rev. Paul Rout, alongside Mildmay’s Matron, Teri Milewska, Trustee Laura Priddle, and Denise Joy, Churchwarden of All Saints’ Church, Maidstone.
After the Blessing, Geoff returned to offer final words, followed by a special announcement - with Revd Richardson presenting the annual Chairman’s Award for Excellence. This year, the award went to Tsedey Alemanyhu, one of our Nursing Team Leaders, and Asterios Lotsios, our Lead Physiotherapist. While Asterios couldn’t attend, it was a fitting recognition of their outstanding contributions to Mildmay’s work.
Guests then moved to our newly completed conservatory, generously funded by the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation, where a festive buffet was served. It was a chance for guests to connect with trustees, staff, and fellow supporters, sharing in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.
A retiring collection was held for Mildmay’s Winter Fundraising Appeal, and we are deeply grateful for the generous donations received. It was a wonderful conclusion to an evening filled with joy, reflection, and community.
This year’s service marked a return to a more modest and intimate setting, after previously hosting in larger venues such as Shoreditch Tabernacle Baptist Church, across the street, and, in years past, some of London’s grander churches. In these challenging times, it felt right to hold the service at the hospital, focusing on humility and stewardship. As a charitable hospital, we are committed to using our resources wisely, ensuring we continue to serve those in need.
On Friday, we held a special carol service for patients in the hospital chapel, which was well attended by patients, staff, and friends. Our matron, Teri, shared her gratitude: “Just to say thanks to Sister Bernie for arranging the amazing Patients’ Carol Service today - it was fabulous, very spirited, and I found it very moving!”
Looking ahead, we will be attending another carol service at St Jude and St Paul’s Church in Mildmay Grove, Islington, on 22nd December. This joint service marks the coming together of our two communities at Christmas, recognising the shared work of our founders, Revd William Pennefather, and his wife Catherine, who was vicar of St Jude’s in the 1860s. It was from this church that the ‘Mildmay movement’ was born.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s event. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!
A Special message from the Chief:
"To all to helped make yesterday’s Carol Service such a great success, a huge thank you. To those who prepared the rooms juggling chairs and tables from all over the building. To those who prepared the food that got so many compliments. To those who organised the orders of service, sent out invitations, gave tours to our guests and to those who were working and had to put up with several large groups being given a tour. To those whose activities were disrupted or cut short. To everyone who smiled and made our guests welcome. I thank you all. This is what Mildmay is all about; TEAMWORK; and you do it so well."
Geoff Coleman
Chief Executive of Mildmay Hospital
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