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On 8th December 2025 Meath Supporters stepped into the festive season with The Honourable Artillery Company Band, The Choir of St Clement Danes and The Meath Choir at our annual Christmas Carol Service
For so many, Carols at St Clement Danes is a calendar highlight of the year, our 2025 service was full of festive joy.
Click here to view the event programme
Gathered in the gilded splendor of St Clement Danes Church, guests were treated to the celestial Choir of St Clement Danes, the rousing music of the Honourable Artillery Company Band, and our effervescently joyous Meath Choir, supported by member of Godalming and Guildford Jazz Choirs.
All at The Meath Epilepsy Charity are extremely grateful to our performers, speakers, staff, volunteers and our guests for joining us at this joyous evening in aid of the wonderful people we support.
Our Speakers
The event included some insightful speeches and readings from HM Michael More-Molyneux, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Patron, Lee Bennett CEO and Cllr Penny Rivers, Mayor of Waverley and Meath Supporter.
Lee Bennett was proud to introduce The Meath Choir and commented that their performance at the event was just a small window through which guests who had not yet visited The Meath, could look to see just a small example of the life enriching and enabling work that takes place every day at The Meath. He went on to praise the charity’s culture of enablement which cascades down from staff and volunteers to create peer-to-peer support, and asserted that this is the living embodiment of our mission- to recognise ability.
“We are privileged to see this in action every day at The Meath, be it at the gym, in drama group, dance sessions, football, textiles, cooking or in the residential homes. We see it in the big moments that take place under spotlight, and we see it in the small moments that take place back home at The Meath. When a person we support encourages a friend to take part in something new, reminds them of how capable they are or acknowledges their achievement, we are so very proud. Proud that our culture of enablement, leads to such moments of joy.
Thank you for your support throughout the year, and in so doing, for enabling such joy.”
HM Michael More-Molyneux, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Patron reflected upon his 10 year tenure in office as Lord Lieutenant as his role draws to a close.
Michael reflected upon and was grateful for the unique and privileged insight into the work of a diverse range of Surrey charities that his varied role has given him. While Michael spoke passionately about his role in promoting a huge variety of worthy causes across Surrey, giving special mention to The Meath Epilepsy Charity.
Cllr Penny Rivers, Mayor of Waverley gave a warm reading of Luke Chapter 2, v 1-7, the story of the first Christmas.
The Meath Choir – Supported by members of Godalming & Guildford Jazz Choirs
This year, members of The Meath Choir have been learning and rehearsing their set since September. Wednesday morning Choir sessions with Choir Leader Phoebe Gaydon are a highlight of the week for so many of the people we support!
Their ambitious set list included Phoebe Gaydon’s arrangements of seasonal classics ‘Walking in the Air’, and ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’. The Meath Choir performed these beautifully with Ella and Philippa bravely taking to the mic for solo parts.
The set included Makaton signing and our guests joined in enthusiastically to sign along. We are grateful to Phoebe for bringing her boundless talent and energy to the group as Choir Leader and to the wonderful members of Godalming & Guildford Jazz Choirs who performed alongside The Meath Choir.
Some of our choir members commented
“I felt excited but nervous before. Now I’ve done it, I feel proud.” Chris
“I felt so happy, first I felt it in my heart and then I had tears in my eyes.” Peter
“I liked singing the solo with Phoebe and doing our Makaton signs. I can’t wait to share the photos with my friends!” Philippa
Recognising Ability is not just for Christmas
Graham Healy, Chair of Trustees gave closing thanks to all who made the evening possible, giving special mention to the many dedicated and caring staff members, together with volunteers who enabled The Meath Choir to perform at the event.
Having given thank also to our many guests for their support, Graham made one last request;
“If, like me, you felt moved this evening please consider donating to The Meath Epilepsy Charity; all donations will go towards our Merry 365 Appeal and will help us to continue delivering the wonderful range of skills-based activity sessions on offer at our dedicated Skills Centre for the people we support.”
