Tradition on song at hospital
Carollers decked the halls of Timaru Hospital on Monday night as part of a 134-year-old Christmas tradition.
More than 60 singers made their way around the hospital and Kensington Centre, spreading festive cheer as part of the carol singing event dating back to 1885.
Those taking part received a ‘‘great response from patients and staff’’, South Canterbury District Health Board chaplain Reverend Alan Cummins said. ‘‘It was a wonderful time.’’ Patients also had the opportunity to sing along to some of their favourite carols.
Numbers fluctuate from year to year, and the 60 carollers this year was ‘‘perfect and very manageable’’, Cummins said.
Cummins said singing to the single child in the paediatric ward was the highlight of the evening. ‘‘He was one little chap on his own and we sang to him. It was just very special.’’
The event is organised by the hospital chaplain and secondary services manager, along with many others who ‘‘chip in’’ to make it happen, Cummins said.
‘‘But without the singers of course it wouldn’t take off.’’
Cummins said this was his eighth year hosting the carols at the hospital but the tradition went well beyond his own comprehension.
The tradition is ‘‘very significant’’ to the hospital programme.
‘‘When I first began in April 2012, one of the hospital managers said to me: ‘Alan the most important thing you will do this year is run the carol night for the hospital’.
‘‘That’s how important it is regarded and I think it is a very important part of the hospital life.’’