The true spirit of Christmas shone out when residents of our six care homes attended a special Christmas Carols Service in Shrewsbury Abbey.

More than 200 residents, staff, family and friends enjoyed readings and music chosen by the homes. The heartfelt service also featured Christmas songs from Shropshire Brass Quintet, mince pies, tea and spiced shortbread.

A particularly moving contribution came from 88-year-old Waltraud Field, a resident at Corbrook Park Nursing Home in Audlem, who recited her poem ‘My Heart’s a Christmas Tree’ which she wrote specially for the event.*

Other highlights included a beautiful solo performance of ‘Ave Maria’ by Milly Shaw, 18, a friend of Shrewsbury’s Radbrook Nursing Home.

Sue Austin, Chief Operating Officer of Morris Care said: “Our carol service has become an important and hugely enjoyable tradition after the success of the first one last year. It really brings Christmas alive in an emotive and memorable way thanks to our residents who get involved in the planning and play an active role in the service.

“We were especially touched by Waltraud’s poem; her recital had us all spellbound.”

*My Heart’s a Christmas Tree

When Christchild comes to earth I’ll be prepared,

My heart has grown into a Christmas tree

With open branches, welcoming His gifts,

The gifts he brings to share with all the world.

I’ll wait for Him in trembling quietude

 

The sparkle of His Love will overflow,

I’ll share this Love with everyone I know.

There’s plenty for each stranger passing by

For Him to take Love with him on his way

And he in turn can share his share of Love

 

The spheres of never-ending True Belief

Will nestle in its branches, round and bright,

So all who pass my heart must surely feel

The globe of Faith, that spins within the soul,

And Love, and endless radiance, could be theirs.

 

New Hope ignites the candles, thousandfold

To drive the shadows of the night away,

And the most desperate can take a flame

To light his way ahead which is so dark,

Then he will walk his way with confidence.

 

And when my heart at midnight visits those

In stables, woods and pastures, as I go,

Will I find ox and donkey, lamb and ewe

Knelt down in silent adoration

As on that first-time Christmas long ago?

Back to news