On Wednesday 10 December, the Mayor of Seaford, Councillor Maggie Wearmouth hosted a spirited carol service at St. Leonard’s Church.
(left to right) The High Sheriff of East Sussex, Annie Brown; the Mayor of Uckfield, Cllr Karen Bedwell; the Mayor of Peacehaven, Cllr Deborah Donovan; the Mayor of Peacehaven’s Consort, Rhiannon; Chair of Lewes District Council, Cllr Paul Davies; the Mayor of Polegate, Cllr Dan Dunbar; the Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Maggie Wearmouth; the Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Margaret Bannister; Chair of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Roy Galley; the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman CStJ; Seaford Sargent at Mace, Peter White.)
Esteemed local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman CStJ, along with local charities, organisations and members of the public came together to enjoy performances from local musician, Ewan Hamilton and professional opera singer Charlotte Wicks with her accompanist Sarina Stirrup.
Ewan Hamilton Charlotte Wicks & Sarina Stirrup
The congregation rejoiced in carols and were moved by touching readings delivered by the Chair of Family Support Work, Richard Bickersteth; Volunteer for Family Support Work and St Leonards Church, Liz Morgan Jones; and the Chair of East Sussex County Council, Councillor Roy Galley. As well as hearing from the CEO of Family Support Work, Martin Auton-Lloyd on the invaluable work of Family Support Work, the Mayor of Seaford’s chosen charity.
The Mayor of Seaford, Councillor Maggie Wearmouth said “I was delighted to showcase the local talent of sixteen year old guitarist Ewan Hamilton playing Golden Brown by the Stranglers and Anji by Davey Graham, plus soprano Charlotte Wicks and rising star, 10 year old Sarina Stirrip.
My chosen charity, Family Support Work, the diocesan organisation supporting children and families throughout Sussex were represented by their Chair of Trustees, Richard Bickersteth and CEO, Martin Auton-Lloyd. All in attendance were moved when Martin spoke about first hand experiences of families who have received their help.
My heartfelt thanks to all at St Leonards Church, including organist, vergers and, especially, Reverend James Hollingsworth. My main regret is that Jazz Turner, the record-breaking sailor and disability champion was too unwell to join us.
Speaking personally, Christmas started that evening.”
The total donations collected for the Mayor of Seaford’s charity Family Support Work was £240.
Seaford Community Secret Santa
The Town Council is thrilled to announce that an incredible 250 gifts were generously donated this year to the Seaford Community Secret Santa!
The CEO of Family Support Work, Martin Auton-Lloyd has said: “Once again, the people of Seaford have achieved an amazing level of support for the families of Seaford. The gifts that you have given will be shared with local families both at Christmas and across the year as the children we support celebrate birthdays and other milestones. This generosity is a wonderful sign of the supportive community that is Seaford, on behalf of all of those who this will help - Thank You.”
