Theresa May and Mary Berry attend charity carol service in Bisham

Theresa May and Mary Berry were among the attendees at a carol service which raised more than £1,500 for St John Ambulance last week (December 8).

The annual service at All Saints Church in Bisham, featured a performance from Bekshire’s Tamesis choir and readings from both the Maidenhead MP and celebrity chef.

Proceeds from tickets and donations on the night have already been donated to the ambulance charity.

Event organiser, deputy chair of St John Ambulance Berkshire and Lord Lieutenant of the county, Graham Barker said he was ‘absolutely thrilled’ with the occasion.

He added: “There was a really joyous atmosphere - with all these wonderful people there supporting this great charity that does so much to keep us safe.

“This is the third year we have done a carol service and it’s a wonderful way of raising money.”

Theresa May read from the gospel of St John and Mary Berry chose to recite a poem entitled Footprints in the Sand.

Other highlights included a reading from veteran volunteer, Micheal Hattey regarding ‘thinking about others’ which Graham said was ‘what St John Ambulance is all about’.

On the appearances of the former PM and bake-off star Graham said:

"I had invited Theresa May and she amazingly fitted that in her busy schedule - and St Johns Ambulance have a link with Mary Berry, she supports the charity.

"They had issued the invitation to her and she and Mrs May were able to come, which was amazing."

Graham wanted to thank Diana Evans and Clive Lawson Smith for organising the mince pies and wine as well as readers Lieutenant General Philip Jones, Richard Bennett DL and Michael Hattey. 

Graham said: “It was a great team effort but a particular thanks to reverend John Smith, he made us so welcome and gave us some very moving prayers.

“It was a very happy occasion.”

MP Theresa May said:

"I was pleased to be one of the readers, as was Mary Berry.

"St John’s is an excellent cause. It has a fine history of service to the public and its volunteers are a well-known and welcome presence at public events.

"More than that, as we heard at the service, during COVID its staff and volunteers provided extra support for the NHS.

"I was pleased to meet Mary again and we both agreed that the Tamesis choir sang beautifully during the service."