Terry Waite's message of hope

WARRINGTON Male Voice Choir’s traditional “Christmas Voices Christmas Brass” concerts this year will include a message of goodwill from patron Terry Waite.
Terry is currently in Beirut as part of humanitarian efforts to relieve the suffering of refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria – 25 years after he was kidnapped in Lebanon and tortured by a cell linked to the militant group Hezbollah.
Sixteen years ago Terry accepted an invitation from the choir to become its patron, in a tribute to the choir’s own humanitarian efforts, particularly across the island of Ireland, following the Warrington bombings in 1993.
In his message, Terry says how the choir’s Christmas concerts have become a part of life for the town and wishes choir and audience, a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
He goes on to say how it is not necessary for him to remind everyone “that the world is a troubled place and it is an irony that Christ, who we call the Prince of Peace, came from a region that is deep in conflict.
“Peace will only come about when men and women find it in their own hearts and lives and become determined to live peacefully”.
He closes by encouraging everyone this Christmas to “spare a thought for the many who are without a home and all the comforts we enjoy”.
Choir secretary David Knight said: “Because of his continuing commitments in the Middle East, Terry is unable to attend the choir’s traditional Parr Hall Christmas concerts this year.
“However, he has sent a Christmas message of goodwill to the choir, as he is very aware of the choir’s own humanitarian and charity role both in the UK and in Ireland. The choir is honoured to have received such a powerful message from its patron”.
The concerts are at the Parr Hall, tonight (Friday) and tomorrow.
Also on the bill are Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band and there will be opportunities for the audience to join in with the signing of carols.