Christmas carol service for people living with dementia now available online for the first time in Harborough

A Christmas carol service for people living with dementia is now available online for the first time in Market Harborough.

Alison Iliffe, vicar of the town’s St Hugh’s Church, said: “This special recording is our gift to people in local care homes and others who might find church more difficult to engage with for lots of different reasons.”

The service was filmed at Alison’s church on Northampton Road.

“The advantage of this on-line approach is that it gives the opportunity for anyone individually or with their family or support bubble to watch and celebrate the coming of Jesus at a time that suits them,” said Alison.

The service features familiar carols to sing along to with words on the screen along with short readings of the nativity story enhanced by images of the crib scene at the church.

“Our hope is that this will reach many who might not otherwise be able to engage with the Christmas story this year,” said Alison.

“That they may not only enjoy the story and music of the season - but come away knowing that they are loved by God, who sent the Christ-child to live among us on that first Christmas over 2,000 years ago.’

Alison leads the service and is assisted by the Rev Rob Leveritt, a former BBC sound recordist.

Rob loved darting back into the world of television production and said the experience reminded him of working on the BBC’s iconic Songs of Praise.

“I don’t think online services will ever replace physical church.

“But it’s exciting to be able to share the Christmas story with those who might not make it to a church building,” said Rob.

Also taking part is Alison Chaplin, who has many years of experience of working with people with dementia - including on the staff of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Judith Joy, organist at Market Harborough’s St Nicholas Church, provides the music.

And the singing comes courtesy of Kyle Newman, the leader of Leicester Musical Memory Box, along with nine-year-old Esmae.

The recording is being sent to care homes and other organisations in and around Market Harborough.

It’s also available from the Harborough Anglican Team website here: https://www.harborough-anglican.org.uk/christmas