On Christmas Eve in Saxon Square, the Mayor of Christchurch, Sue Bungey, initiated the closing performance of the 2021 Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (Clac), reports Richard Reader. She said that it seemed only a few days since she welcomed Clac to Christchurch at Priory Church on December 1. Twenty-four days later, with 24 surprise performances successfully organised, Clac was concluding – having raised almost £20,000 for the 24 local charity beneficiaries.

The Christchurch U3A Vintage Brass Band perform

Clac had delighted audiences ranging from 50 to 500 people with daily performances in 24 town centre venues by 24 talented local artists or groups – all sponsored by local organisations. This was a notable achievement, and the mayor gave enormous thanks to the organising group of Christchurch Rotarians and local volunteers, led by Jan Banks, supported by her husband Vince, who had brought this event to the town.

Echoing the mayor’s praise for Jan and her team, Christchurch Rotary president Marianne Abley also thanked Christchurch Town Council and BCP Council for their encouragement and support. Jan then spoke about the charity due to benefit from today’s performance, Ashley’s Birthday Bank, which helps underprivileged children and families. The surprise performers on this occasion were the Christchurch U3A Vintage Brass Band, who played Christmas music to an appreciative audience. The sponsor for the day, Little Lives UK, presented Ashley’s Birthday Bank with their cheque for £500, to great applause.

Ashley’s Birthday Bank is presented with their cheque for £500 and, inset, Jan Banks

To conclude proceedings, Marianne Abley presented Jan Banks with a commemorative gift and flowers, and principal Clac sponsors Kelvin and Pippa Medley-Jones of the Primrose Charitable Trust gave thanks to all involved in bringing this highly successful festive event to Christchurch. The mayor had announced that Clac was set to become an annual event: and all present applauded this prospect.

For more information, you can visit the Clac website, christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk, or look on social media – Facebook: @Christchurch Living Advent Calendar, Instagram: @Christchurch_living_advent.