Actress Stella Gonet came for a flying visit to Wimbledon to star in the special community carol service, In Excelsis Deo held on Sunday 16th December hosted by Rev’d Chris Eyden, clergy and people of St Mark’s Church Wimbledon and joined by the newly appointed Bishop of Kingston, the Right Reverend Richard Cheetham who gave a short address.

For the fourth year, St Mark’s gained the support of local businesses to enable the town centre community to celebrate Christmas in style. There was a mixture of dramatic readings, carols, music, singing from Bishop Gilpin School Choir, The Hill Singers and the accompaniment of The London Brass Quintet Jazz Band “whose rendition of Silent Night from traditional to jazz was stunning, it really set the congregation alight” said Paul Broughton from Barclays.

“What makes this event so special is that all are welcome, whatever their belief. When we came together, in the sharing and the singing, we were touched by the spirit of Christmas” remarked Belinda Leathes Chair of Citizens Advice Bureau.

This event is one of many community ventures that marks the spirit of cooperation between St Mark’s and the needs and concerns of Wimbledon town centre which this year was reflected in the financial support, as a result of the event, to Christian Care, a local charity working for the homeless, including asylum seekers and refugees. A total of £1,000 was raised.

The service was followed by a fantastic party in the Galustian Gardens of the church where the Jazz Band entertained guests as they wined and dined. “One of the best carol services I have ever been to” said Mark Pinks, Triggs Wilkinson Mann solicitors.

Sponsors included Barclays Bank, Bells, Cotton Thompson Cole, Hartley Fowler accountants, Robert Holmes Estate Agents, Ashworths solicitors, George Watt Partnership architects, HSBC, Triggs Wilkinson Mann solicitors, Wimbledon Guild, Wimbledon Offices and Youngs Brewery