Region honoured to host royal carol service

SPECIALLY invited guests filled St John’s Church in Dumfries on Saturday for a royal festive celebration.

The region was proud to be one of just 14 nationwide to host a ‘Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service, supported by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.

It brought together 260 guests, musicians and volunteers for a magical afternoon celebrating the theme of ‘love’ and the extraordinary spirit of community across the region.

In the congregation were volunteers from local charities and organisations, couples celebrating milestone 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries, and remarkable centenarians aged 100 and 101.

They enjoyed music from the Dumfries and Galloway Youth Choir, the South-West of Scotland Piping and Drumming Academy and young Burnsians.

Aileen Brewis, Lord-Lieutenant of Wigtownshire, said: “It was wonderful to join so many amazing people at the Princess of Wales carol service.

“The theme this year was ‘love’ and I see and hear about love in all its forms wherever I go in our region. We have some really tremendous charities, voluntary organisations, groups and individuals who spend an enormous amount of their precious time helping others and Christmas is a time to remember and recognise all those volunteers.”

Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong, added: “The service was magical and a tribute to all the volunteers and charity groups who make our region a better place.

“What a talent we have, with our young musicians and our Dumfries and Galloway Youth Choir! I am sure HRH the Princess of Wales would be delighted to see our communities come together in this way.”

Meanwhile, Lord Matthew St Clair, Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, commented: “It is a profound honour for Dumfries and Galloway that the Royal Foundation has chosen our region to host one of this year’s services. This recognition speaks volumes about the strength of our communities and the spirit of service that runs through them.”