On 9th December, our students and staff had the privilege of attending the Together at Christmas community carol service at St Mary’s Church in Ilkeston. The event forms part of a nationwide initiative spearheaded by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, created to recognise and thank the many individuals across the country who act with love, compassion, and generosity in their communities. The aim of the initiative is to celebrate the people who help build a more cohesive, caring, and connected society – values that resonate strongly with everything we strive for at Key College.
Together at Christmas at St Mary’s Church, Ilkeston
This year’s Ilkeston service was hosted by Liz Fothergill, Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, who welcomed local organisations, volunteers, and supporters to share in an afternoon of carols, performances and celebration. The event mirrors the ethos of the Royal Foundation’s wider Together at Christmas programme and draws inspiration from The Princess of Wales’s annual carol service held at Westminster Abbey.
A special speech for Brenda
One of the most special moments of the afternoon was surprising our Admin Brenda with an award.
Our learners worked together to write a speech that was read out in the church by our centre manager, Kim:
“We are here today to celebrate Brenda. She always supports us when we are feeling unwell. She doesn’t make us feel bad if we are running late, and she makes us laugh (especially when she gets overstimulated!). She makes us feel really welcome, and we are happy that she is here.
Without her, college would not be as enjoyable. Brenda makes college better because she helps use though the times we don’t think we can through. She has truly made a difference in our lives. We want to thank you, Brenda, for always being there when we have needed you.”
Brenda’s kindness, commitment (she has worked at Key College for 13 years), and support make a meaningful difference to our learners every single day. If you have ever been to Key College Ilkeston, it is not uncommon to see our learners crowding into the office to have a natter.
We would like to extend our thanks to everyone involved in creating such a thoughtful and uplifting event, and to the local community members who came together to share in the celebration. It was a wonderful reminder of the power of kindness, togetherness, and Christmas spirit.
