Oxfordshire St John Ambulance Carol Service

This afternoon I had the pleasure of joining around fifty Oxfordshire St John Ambulance volunteers, along with the county leadership team, for their annual carol service at the beautiful Church of St Mary Magdalen in Woodstock — a twelfth-century parish church that has welcomed its community for generations.

Revd Andrew led the service with warmth and clarity, gently linking the Christmas story to the work of St John Ambulance: care, compassion, and the simple act of stepping forward when others need help. With contributions from others in the congregation, he drew thoughtful parallels between the nativity story and the contributions these volunteers make throughout the year.

I was invited to read the first lesson. The second was read by Sofia — my High Sheriff’s Cadet and Oxfordshire’s St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year — who delivered it with calm confidence.

It was also a pleasure to see James Macnamara, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, attending on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant.

At the end of the service, several volunteers were recognised for their outstanding contribution. The highlight of the afternoon was seeing Sofia receive the Grand Prior Award — the highest achievement for a St John Ambulance Cadet. It marks years of commitment to personal development, compassion, and service, completed through a structured programme of subjects, volunteering hours, and leadership. It is recognised internationally and reflects a cadet’s dedication to first aid, teamwork, and community action.

The afternoon rounded off perfectly with splendid mince pies, Christmas cake and other seasonal goodies, together with mulled wine — a lovely chance to chat with volunteers and celebrate their work in a more relaxed way.

A thoughtful, uplifting afternoon — my first carol service of the season, with several more to come — celebrating service, dedication, and the true spirit of Christmas in Oxfordshire.