Bexhill Observer: Play produces charity donation

Short article about the money raised by Christian Voices‘ new play, Esther for Bexhill Dementia Action Alliance.

Alas, the caption to the photo is incorrect – the person on the right is Sally Hemmings, the Chair of Bexhill Dementia Action Alliance.

Sally Hemmings said,

“We are a community group whose aim is to raise awareness of dementia and its impacts, and to support action which will help transform the quality of life of people with dementia and those who care for them in Bexhill and surrounding areas. .
We have several ongoing activities including a bimonthly group – Singing Down Memory Lane, an allotment for people with dementia and their carers, and
we offer free Dementia Friends sessions for businesses and members of the public.
In addition, we hold Dementia Awareness days to help people to navigate their way around care and support, and signpost to local and national groups.
We really appreciate the support of Christian Voices in enabling us carry on with our goals of making Bexhill a dementia friendly community.”

Alan Young said, “A huge thank you to all the churches who supported us and to everyone who donated so generously!”

Comment: A review from Sandy Willard of Christchurch Methodist Church

And we’re glad to say the comments on “Esther” keep on coming!
These lovely comments come from Sandy Willard.
More positive comments regarding the new microphones and the costumes.

Comment: A review from David Marsh of St Martha’s Church

We have another lovely comment about the play “Esther” performed in May 2022.
These comments are from David Marsh of St Martha’s Church, who points out the range of themes covered in such a short play!

Comment: A letter from Barry Turnwell of Christchurch Methodist Church.

Attached is the kind letter sent to Christian Voices by Barry Turnwell covering everything from the new sound system (we have radio mics for the first time!!) to the amount raised for Bexhill Dementia Action Alliance to a quick reference to our next play “Anger in Nazareth”!

Poem – Esther

Here’s a lovely poem from John Knight, unsurprisingly regarding our latest play Esther.
John & Vi have been huge supporters of Christian Voices and we’re extremely grateful for their continued presence at our performances and wonderful feedback — in verse!

ESTHER. 28th May 2022.
÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷

Today's production of Esther
must surely be one of the best,
Bringing the story to life
in a way we all were blessed;

Though everyone played their part
so well
Two people stood out for me,
Who deserve a special
"THANK YOU"
Living long in my memory;

Your singing Monique so beautiful
better than ever before,
And Maria your portrayal of Esther
I really do adore;

Thank you Dave and Alan
for without you where would we be,
For using your gifts and talents
in a way so effectively;

Praise God for CHRISTIAN VOICES
for the way many lives you touch,
Bringing to life every scripture
that means to us so much.

÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷
Your ardent supporters John & Vi.
÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷

Comment: “Acting was excellent and so was the singing”

Here’s a lovely comment from Rev. Mel who saw the Christian Voices performance of Esther at St. Peter’s Community Centre.

Dear Alan

I thought the play looked the best so far, with your colourful costumes and the microphones made it easier to hear voices.

The acting was excellent and so was the singing – I had a chat praising your young soloist.

There was one member of the congregation who has been very ill for a long time, and came along, and was really energised by the experience, so thank you again!

For me, it was the best of the ones I’ve seen so far – so thank you, and we all look forward to the next.

Take care

Mel

Bexhill Observer: Bible play tours local churches to raise funds for dementia charity

The article announces Christian Voices‘ new play, Esther in May 2022. Donations after each performance went to Bexhill Dementia Action Alliance.

Esther – Coming Soon

During May 2022 Christian Voices will be performing their 31st play, based on the story of “One of God’s people. Queen to a foreign king. Saved God’s people through diplomatic genius.*!

Sorry, not got it from that (or the big hint in the title of this post)? We are of course talking about the eponymous Esther. Esther risked her own life in order to save the lives of all the Jews.

Admission is, as usual, free but any donation provided at the end of the performance will be given to Bexhill Dementia Action Alliance. More information on their work locally and nationally can be found here.

The play is written by Alan Young, songs composed by Dave Chamberlin.
The play is directed by Jacqueline Young.

The play will be performed at the following locations and times.

  • Saturday, 21st May – St Stephen’s Church, Bexhill at 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, 22nd May – St Peter’s Church, Bexhill at 10 a.m.
  • Friday, 27th May – St Mark’s Church, Bexhill at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, 28th May – All Saints Church, Sidley at 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, 29th May – Christchurch Methodist Church, Bexhill at 10.30 a.m.

* – Dr. Stuart C. Weir from “The Infographic Bible” by Karen Sawrey.

Letter of thanks to CV

It’s been great to finally be back amongst congratulations and present “Finding Hope” once again. It’s been a long time and we’re truly grateful to everyone whose attended the first three performances.

We’ve received this wonderful letter regarding the performance at Christchurch Methodist Church on 12/Dec/2021.

There’s still one more chance to catch “Finding Hope” at St John The Evangelist, St Leonards at 10:30 a.m. on 09/Jan/2022!

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas
from all at Christian Voices!

Hope returns

Winter 2021/2022 sees the return of Christian Voices and our play Finding Hope!
A title that seems very apt in the current world situation.

After a break of two years we return with a play we first performed in Advent 2019. Hard to believe that the final performance this time will be in 2022.

The play is set at the time of the census and a group of friends living in Bethlehem were unaware that the birth of Jesus was about to happen.

Mark, one of the group, had recently become a widower. He was trying to cope with the loss of his wife. What would give him hope that his life still had meaning?


Written by Alan Young and directed by Jac Young from St Martha’s Church with music and songs by Dave Chamberlin.

The play will be performed on:-

  • Sunday, 28th November – St Peter’s Community Centre, Bexhill at 10 a.m.
  • Sunday, 5th December – Ninfield Methodist Church at 10.30 a.m.
  • Sunday, 12th December – Christchurch Methodist Church, Bexhill at 10.30 a.m.
  • Sunday, 9th January – St John The Evangelist, St Leonards at 10:30 a.m.