One of the songs on the Susy Radio Christmas list has been creating a stir locally and online. Written and recorded by a group of five Year 8 students from Oakwood School, Horley ‘My Time of Year’, a Christmas song to help raise money for Bace, the school charity has received encouragement from Sir Richard Branson. The Virgin boss sent a tweet saying ‘Many congratulations, what a lovely idea and song – best of luck with your campaign’.

Many congratulations, what a lovely idea and song – best of luck with your campaign

— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) December 13, 2017

The five students Evie, Lola, Isabella, Alice and Leyla recording as ‘The Electricals’ have also performed the song at the Oakwood School Concert and have featured in The Crawley Observer. The song is available for download to help raise funds and awareness for Bace, a charity that helps children in rural communities in The Gambia access education and health services.

You can find out more about Bace online at www.bacecharity.org.uk

The single can be downloaded at the schools bandcamp website oakwoodschool.bandcamp.com/track/my-time-of-year

Last Sunday around 800 people gathered for the annual St Catherine’s Hospice Tree of Light service at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley to remember someone they loved.

During a moving ceremony people hung dedication stars, listened to reflective readings and heard James Russell speak about the care his mother, Lee, received from St Catherine’s. They also joined in Christmas carols led by the Loud and Proud Community Choir from Dorking.
During the service Lisa Green, a Nursing Assistant on St Catherine’s Inpatient Unit and Gemma Pearce, Hospice Cook, carried the Book of Remembrance forward and people were also able to look at it before and after the service as they enjoyed mince pies and hot drinks.

Reverend Lisa Rainier, Spiritual Care Lead at St Catherine’s, said “It was a privilege to lead our Tree of Light service. We hope it provided comfort to all those who came to remember their loved ones. We’d also like to thank everyone who made a donation; your generosity and kindness will help us continue to provide compassionate care to local people and their family and friends when it’s needed most.”

Traditionally, Christmas is a time when people come together with family and friends, but for many people who are bereaved it can also be a sad time. St Catherine’s recognises this and is here to help. Bereaved relatives are helped by the hospice and expert support is also given to people in the community through local bereavement groups in Crawley and Oxted. These groups are open to everyone, regardless of whether they have had a connection to St Catherine’s.

For more information about St Catherine’s, or to make a donation to support local people when life comes full circle please visit: www.stch.org.uk