‘……You may see a stranger…………..across a crowded room’ say the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II in the musical South Pacific.

Volunteers (2 and 4 legs)

Earlier this week Rochester Cathedral was packed with NHS Medway volunteers being recognised for over 100,000 hours of service, this year alone, to people who, in the main, are complete strangers to them. Indeed the volunteers are generally strangers to each other, operating in small groups and giving faithful service to their community. Chatham Salvation Army Band (Bandmaster Carl Woodman) was present for the annual Carol Service held in recognition of these dedicated servants of humanity, providing Christmas music and accompaniments to the carols sung by the hundreds of people present.

Also participating was NChant, the choir from Rochester Grammar School, led by our own Carolynn Woodman, which brought four beautifully sung items and thrilled the assembled audience. Scroll down to read our account, published earlier this week, about the choir’s success in the BBC ‘Songs of Praise 2010’ competition.

Guest speakers were the Chief Executive of NHS Medway, Marion Dunwoody and the Senior Chaplain, Medway Foundation Trust, Reveend Steve Spencer. Prayers were led by Reverend Lynda Cooke, lead Chaplain, Kent and Medway Partnership Trust and the Blessing was brought by Canon Dr Philip Hesketh, Canon Pastor.