Looking Forward To Christmas 2022

Each year, I love the lead up to Christmas and the chance to share the magic of the festive season with the many residents and staff in those care homes where I’m working.

This year will be no different, with a busy timetable leading right up to 23rd December. I’m especially looking forward to spending considerable time with a special group of residents and staff who live close to my home. We’ve got lots of fun activities planned as well as leaving plenty of time to sing carols and do some bell ringing.

To all those in the care homes I’ve visited this year, I look forward to seeing you again in 2023 and wish you a very Happy Christmas.

We’ll Gather Lilacs In The Spring Again

Today, I’ve recorded the beautiful song “We’ll Gather Lilacs In The Spring Again.” It’s a song of hope and my hope is that my recording will help to lift spirits a little and encourage us to look ahead to better times, as we face our third lockdown in 12 months.

The song was written in 1945 by Welsh composer Ivor Novello, for the hit musical “Perchance to Dream”. The stage musical opened at the Hippodrome Theatre in London’s West End in 1945 and ran until 1948. This particular popular and enduring number emerged from the production as World War II drew to a close.

It describes the yearning of parted couples to be together again. It evokes the joy they will feel once they are re-united, and the simple pleasures they will enjoy as they walk together in Springtime  amidst the English countryside, whilst the lilac blossom is in flower. Its’ words still seem relevant and poignant over 75 years since it was first written.