Chelmsford, the cathedral city at the heart of Essex, is also home to Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity. Many of Blesma’s members, volunteers, staff and their families came together at Chelmsford Cathedral on the evening of Thursday 12 December for a Christmas service.
The congregation sang carols and heard seasonal readings during the service. Blesma finance director Boston Mwense and fellow St Alban’s Roman Catholic Church parishioner David Bousho sang a duet, and there were the additional treats of performances by professional soprano Naomi Kilby and Essex-based choir The Sound Collective.
East Anglia RFCA chief executive Col Leona Barr-Jones DL VR attended the service on the Association’s behalf. One of our guiding principles is to support the work of organisations working with both abled-bodied and disabled veterans and their families.
Following the Blesma carol service, the charity’s staff and volunteers shared mulled wine and mince pies with members and other supporters. People talked of the wonderful music and festive message of the service, how the charity supports limbless veterans at this and other times of year—and of course plans for the Christmas holidays.
Col Leona said: “We gathered for the annual Blesma carol service in Chelmsford to celebrate the festive season and show support for our veterans. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, with a special shout-out for The Sound Collective, Boston Mwense, David Bousho and Naomi Kilby for their wonderful performances.”
Blesma’s website offers details of how to support the charity’s work and also ways that both limbless veterans and their families can find advice and assistance.
