Carol concert raises over £1,600

Date released: 17 December 2008

The famous Long Room is beautifully decorated for Christmas MCC raised more than £1,600 for local charity, St John's Hospice, in Grove End Road, through a collection at its annual "Evening of Carols" in the Long Room at Lord's.

It is hoped that even more money will be raised for the Hospice over the coming weeks, as guests complete the Gift Aid form, which was included in each carol booklet.

Around three hundred MCC Members, the MCC President Derek Underwood and the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens (Cllr Angela Hooper, C.B.E., D.L.) - came to Lord's for Tuesday’s event. They all joined in the carol singing, led by the 16-strong London Chorus, conducted by its musical director, Ronald Corp.

Mince pies & mulled wine

MCC Members and guests raised over £1,600 for St John's Hospice A thousand mince pies were hand made on the day by MCC’s pastry chef, Thierry, who has previously worked for Gordon Ramsay.

These were accompanied by mulled wine, made to a secret recipe by Linda Le Kerr, who runs the Players’ dining room at Lord’s.

Christine Malcolmson, Matron at the Hospice, said: "We're very grateful to MCC and its Members for their ongoing support with the annual carol concert.

"The generous donations from the Members will assist in the care we provide for over 600 patients and their families, both in the hospice itself, the day services centre and in the community."

MCC staged its first Christmas carol concert (in aid of Save the Children) in 2001. The event has raised funds for St John's Hospice - just a short walk away from Lord's - since 2003.