A carol celebration for the community

A SPECIAL by invitation carol service will take place in Dumfries next month bringing together deserving people from across the region.

The ‘Together at Christmas’ community event is supported by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and is inspired by her similar annual service in Westminster.

And the Dumfries and Galloway service, at St John’s Episcopal Church in Dumfries, is one of just three taking place in Scotland.

It aims to recognise and thank the many people who act with love in the local community and contribute to a more cohesive and connected society.

Taking part will be 260 invited guests and musicians, including volunteers from The Food Train, D&G Blood Bikes, D&G Befriending, Mountain Rescue teams, cancer drop-in centres and an Alzheimer support group, as well as people from different cultures and faiths.

In keeping with the theme of love, couples marking 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries and centenarians aged 100 and 101 will join the celebration too.

Schoolchildren will help to decorate the Christmas tree, while there will be performances by Dumfries and Galloway Youth Choir, the South-West of Scotland Piping and Drumming Academy and young Burnsians.

Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong, said: “This region prides itself on its volunteering, so with the blessing of the Royal Foundation and the Princess of Wales, this is a wonderful way to celebrate those who go the extra mile and look after our communities.”

Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, Lord Matthew St Clair added: “It is a profound honour for Dumfries and Galloway that the Royal Foundation has chosen our region to host one of this year’s ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Services.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the strength of our communities and the spirit of service that runs through them.”

Aileen Brewis, Lord-Lieutenant for Wigtownshire, added: “We have many incredible charities, voluntary organisations, groups and individuals who give their time freely to those most in need of love and support and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this together.”