Charity Campden Home Nursing marked 35 years of providing end of life care in the community at the sold-out concert at St James’ Church on Saturday. The programme was curated by John Lubbock OBE, brother of founder Jecca Brook, and performed by the OSJ Voices and friends.
The OSJ Voices delivered a rich and assured choral performance. Pianist Derek Paravicini and soprano Hannah Fraser-Mackenzie gave standout contributions, showcasing Derek’s virtuosity and Hannah’s expressive clarity.
The audience joined in with four carols. The wonderful organist, Richard Stephens, supported the carols and choir. Derek played White Christmas and Winter Wonderland, among other favourites, accompanied by Hannah. Classical guitarist Hope Cramsie added further interest with Un Sueño en la Floresta, Preludium and The Frog Galliard by John Dowland.
Caroline Anstey and Michelle Shingler shared moving accounts of the care their families received. Both described the nurses as “Campden Angels”, praising their skill and support for the family. Sir Loyd Grossman read Remembering at Christmas. Actor Edward Bennett added welcome humour with his reading of The Twelve Days of Christmas by John Julius Norwich.
CEO Steven Marshall thanked everyone involved. He acknowledged the choir and all performers, the volunteers, sponsors Farncombe Estate, Vale Press for printing the programmes, and Steve Turner for designing them. He also praised the charity’s nurses, past and present, for their exceptional end of life care.
The evening closed with remarks from David Brook, husband of the founder Jecca Brook. He reflected on Jecca’s decision to start the charity 35 years ago after witnessing a friend’s need for support at home. Her work went on to influence the creation of three other local hospice at home charities.
The concert honoured Jecca’s legacy and reaffirmed Campden Home Nursing’s mission to provide compassionate care for people at home at the end of life.
After the concert, Fundraising Manager Laura Cameron added, “What a special night! Thank you to John Lubbock and all the fabulous performers who helped us celebrate this milestone for the charity. Thank you to Toke’s for providing the drinks.
We are so grateful to everyone who helped with the preparation and to our incredible volunteers and staff. Special thanks to volunteer Jill Wright, who baked 250 mince pies for tonight’s guests.
Thank you for the fantastic feedback which included:
“We attended your outstanding 35 year Anniversary Concert last Saturday evening, and I feel sure, we were not the only guests to be overwhelmed by such an incredibly high class celebration of music.
Conductor Mr John Lubbock, the OSJ Voices and musicians, were truly sensational.
The power of the voice and the power of the performance created a special energy which uplifted everyone’s spirit and soul.”
S & I
HOPE CRAMSIE CLASSICAL GUITARIST
THE OSJ VOICES AND JOHN LUBBOCK OBE
Winter Wonderland
HANNAH FRASER-MACKENZIE
ED BENNETT READING
SIR LOYD GROSSMAN READING
caroline anstey, testimonial
michelle shingler, testimonial
guests enjoying the interval
volunteers
guests and volunteers
