SEAFORD, 13th December 2024 – On a cold winter’s night, esteemed local dignitaries which included the Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex, Tim Cobb, along with local charities, organisations, schools and members of the public came together at St Leonard’s Church to support the Mayor of Seaford and partake in festive celebrations.
This enlightening event reinforced the Mayor of Seaford’s theme of enhancing community resilience by fostering connections among residents and community groups from various religious backgrounds.
Speakers delivered poignant tributes highlighting the town's diversity, emphasising the importance of understanding our differences while recognising the commonalities that unite us in faith and light.
Speaking after the service, the Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Sally Markwell said:
“The presence of the residents of Seaford was felt as they filled St Leonard’s Church for our cultural celebration that highlighted how Christmas is celebrated and faith interpreted across the world. We were amazed and humbled by performances and readings from pupils from Annecy Catholic Primary School and Seaford Head School Sixth Form. We were also well supported by participants from local faith groups, the care services and voluntary sector. The evening reflected upon ways of coming together, sharing our light, and the joy and strength in the diversity of our community.”
Following the concert, the Mayor of Seaford showcased the Mayoral Community Coat adorned with the magnificent patches created by various community groups to celebrate Seaford Town Council’s 25th anniversary.
(Image One: back row left to right: Chair of Rother District Council, Cllr Richard Thomas; Mayor of Uckfield, Cllr Karen Bedwell; Mayor of Peacehaven, Cllr Deborah Donovan; Mayor of Polegate, Cllr Dan Dunbar; James McCleary MP. Front row left to right: Consort to the Mayor of Peacehaven, Rhiannon Donovan; Vice Chair of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Abul Azad; Chair of East Sussex County Council, Cllr Roy Galley; Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Sally Markwell; Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Candy Vaughan; Chair of Lewes District Council, Cllr Lesley Boniface; Consort to the Chair of Lewes District Council, Cllr Christina Bristow; Hannah Scott-Youldon, Assistant Director at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service; Lord Brett McLean.)
(Image Two: The Mayor of Seaford, Cllr Sally Markwell)
(Image Three: Cllr Shah Ali)
With thanks to the generosity of the congregation, a collection of £125 was collected for the Mayor of Seaford’s chosen charity: Seafriends.
Another notable success has been the wonderful Seaford community coming together and helping to donate an incredible 150 gifts for local families in need through this year’s Seaford Gift Giving Campaign. The Town Council would like to thank everyone who took part.
With the support of the endlessly helpful team at the Seaford Tourist Information Centre and the guidance of Family Support Work, this generosity will support hundreds of local families to place presents under the tree this year. Gifts are already being distributed and the organisers are thrilled with the variety and quality of the gifts received.
“It has been so wonderful working with Seaford Town Council, the generosity of residents in the town has been incredibly heartwarming. With hundreds of families benefiting from the gifts received and donations, this is a real example of community spirit and working together to achieve a little Christmas Magic.” Martin Auton-Lloyd, CEO, Family Support Works.
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