The Annual Carol Concert for the Order
was last Saturday and what a splendid event it was.
The Octavius Choir,
under the directorship of David Scott-Thomas,
gave a packed St Catherine's Church a wonderful evening
to get us all into the Christmas spirit.
This year the organ was played by John Robinson,
organist at Blackburn Cathedral.
Our own parishioner, Jerome Ness,
mesmerized us with two pieces on classical guitar.
The musicians and singers give their time and talents freely,
which enabled the evening to raise about £900 for the Order's charities.
The charities supported this year are St Catherine's Hospice, in Leyland
and SUROL - the charity in Sri Lanka assisting those affected by leprosy,
under the patronage of the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.
Members of the Order provided prizes for a Grand Draw
(and sold the tickets!)
as well as providing supper for the choir
and serving mulled wine and mince pies to everyone afterwards.
The evening was introduced by the Grand Prior, H.E. Anthony Dickinson.
Photographs and video curtesy of Matthew Jackon.