Inspirational individuals from Cambridgeshire to join Royals at carol service

Four inspirational figures from Cambridgeshire have been specially invited to join members of the Royal Family in a Christmas carol service to celebrate the selfless work of people across the country.

The quartet will be special guests at the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey tomorrow (Thursday 15 December) after being nominated to attend by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence. The guests were selected from a list of nominations received by the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office throughout the year for their contribution to the county.

Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence. Image: Keith Heppell

Led by the Princess of Wales and supported by the Royal Foundation, the service will recognize the selfless efforts of individuals, families and communities across the UK.

The four guests from Cambridgeshire are:

Julie-Ann Perry – an adult instructor with the Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force who works with young Army cadets and gives them opportunities they would not otherwise have. During Covid she ran a sewing group in Peterborough making scrubs and face masks for care homes, vulnerable people and the Peterborough Hospital.
Ann Deane – Volunteers for the Talking Newspapers for the Blind in Peterborough and her work with the Wednesday Phab Club in Peterborough, a social club for adults that allows them to “get more out of life together”. Ann’s work was considered so central to the community that she won a Peterborough Civic Award for Community Involvement in March 2022.
Reverend Anthony Gill – Head Chaplain of Cambridge University Hospital. He has been very supportive of both staff and patients during the pandemic. He has always shown a wise, thoughtful compassion and never failed to offer intuitive and sympathetic support to his colleagues in times of stress.
Samantha Dyer – Sam was the key person connecting the Cambridge-wide work on the Food Poverty Alliance Plan of Action, ensuring people and families in need of food have access to the support they need.

Julie Spence said: “It was my honor to nominate these four dedicated individuals for the tireless work they do for their communities. It should be a beautiful occasion and I hope they enjoy the experience – I’m sure it will be an event to remember.”

Their Majesties the King and Queen Consort, HRH the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family will attend the service dedicated this year to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the values she values demonstrated throughout life including duty, empathy, faith, service, kindness, compassion and support for others.

Sam Dyer, CEO of Cambridge Sustainable Food. Image: Keith Heppell

The carols are accompanied by musical performances by guests including Craig David, Alexis Ffrench and Samantha Barks, and a special duet by Alfie Boe and Melanie C. Poignant readings are presented by speakers including the Prince of Wales, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Hugh Bonneville and Kadeena Cox.