SUNDAY, December 4 2.30pm and for the Orchard Trust’s carol service in Christchurch the church is buzzing.   

The Lydbrook Training Band, many very young, are assembling and tuning their gleaming instruments under Robert Morgan’s cheery direction. 

Trust users arriving, some in festive hats, some in wheelchairs, all showing their excitement with smiles, gestures and words. 

The decorated church bright and shiny, refreshments laid out. Lovely to see the trust gathered together – residents, staff, parents, trustees and friends. 

The church is packed: the vicar and Kathy welcome everyone and off we go, favourite carols providing a musical journey through Advent and the band’s brilliant interludes including Walking in the Air and Jingle Bells played at least three times with various percussion instruments and cheering to the rafters. 

For an hour or so there’s an air of joy, all problems forgotten and a sense of community where even the most disabled person can take part. 

Thank you everyone who contributed to an inspiring afternoon. 

From its beginning about 25 years ago the Trust now provides permanent accommodation for the highly dependent, temporary respite care and supported living.   

It has a hydrotherapy pool, an education centre, sensory gardens and a thriving small-holding with livestock, polytunnels and greenhouses.   

We’re lucky to have such a fine, non-denominational, non-doctrinaire facility in the Forest.

– Morag Norman, Blaisdon.