The first presentation of the "The Story of Christmas" was held at St George’s, Hanover Square, W1, on 19th December 1978. The original intention of the organisers was to raise a modest sum for charities – particularly those dealing with homelessness and children.

Over the past 24 years, the event has grown and now raises £150,000/£200,000 each year. Last year the appeal "topped" £200,000 for the first time. In the past 24 years the associated appeal has raised over £2.7 million. More than 85% of the net advertising income and donations has been available for the charitable purposes of the appeal. The aim of the Organising Committee is to ensure that the highest possible proportion of the funds raised are available to the charities. To this end, sponsors cover most of the direct costs.

The event at St George’s takes the form of a festival of Nine Lessons with Carols. The readings are given by leading figures from the theatre and from public life. The Choir of Westminster Cathedral and the Band and Fanfare Trumpeters of the Irish Guards provide the music. Following the service at St George’s, which last for just over an hour, there will be a reception of the principal guests and supporters at Christie’s in St James’s.

The objectives of the associated appeal continue to be directed to helping homeless people and disadvantaged children. This year, there will be three, principal beneficiaries for the twenty-fifth appeal:

CRASH, the construction and property industry charity for the homeless, harnesses the skills, products, talents and goodwill of the industry to assist homeless agencies throughout the UK. As a beneficiary of the Story of Christmas Appeal, CRASH is able to help agencies improve the quality of their building and allow them to offer high quality services to its users. For example, CRASH plans to support the Emmaus Community’s South Lambeth project which enables homeless to regain self-respect through a commitment to work and a communal life with this year’s appeal.

The benefits and effects of this kind of support to their clients are fundamental as it makes them feel valued when offered to use such high quality facilities.

Kidsactive is a charity that provides play and opportunities for disabled children and children with special needs. With over thirty years experience, the charity runs six centres in some of the most deprived inner city areas of London, providing vital services for disabled children and (progressively) for their non disabled siblings and friends.

The Story of Christmas Appeal has significantly supported Kidsactive over the years providing; A specially adapted Ford Transit minibus for the Charlie Chaplin Playground; good signs for all the centres; a major rebuild of the outdoor play structure at the Michael Williams Playground.

Last year's appeal helped to fund a complete refurbishment of the Charlie Chaplin Playground and the setting up of an After School Club at the Lady Allen Playground. Both projects have been a great success.

This year, it is hoped to fund the setting up of a computer network for disabled children to access and for playworkers to share information.

Turnaround is an NCH partnership project, which aims to prevent young people from becoming homeless. Linked to the only refuge for young people in London, it provides a service to young people and their families across all London, but in particular in the eight Boroughs around The City.

The project aims to assess and resolve the underlying issues resulting in young people leaving home and to enable them to return home or to maintain positive links with their family or community if returning home is not an option. The 3 project staff typically work with families for up to 3 months, during which time the young person and their family are supported in resolving their difficulties, enabling them to make changes so that the young person can remain at home. If this is not possible, the project supports them in making and maintaining a positive relationship with their family and other friends and relatives in the community.

To mark the twenty-fifth year of the appeal it has been decided to arrange two special events in London.

Service of Thanksgiving: On the evening of Tuesday 8th October there is to be a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s, Covent Garden (known as "the actors’ church"). The service will take the form of a liturgical presentation of Mozart’s Coronation Mass, sung by a choir of 60 from the boys and adult Choral Society of Dulwich Preparatory School. The concelebrants will be two of the appeal’s Vice-Presidents; Rev’d Mark Oakley of St Paul’s and Rev’d Prebendary John Slater of St George’s, Hanover Square. The epistle will be red by Aled Jones, Deputy President of the appeal. The Lord Mayor of Westminster will attend.

The President’s Anniversary Dinner: This will be held at Claridge’s on the evening of Sunday 17^th November and will be hosted by Dame Judi Dench. More than 30 of the readers who have taken part over the past twenty-four years will join us at this dinner. The proceeds from the dinner will go to the Unicorn theatre project for children.

Thanks to Robert S, Chairman for this information