{"id":4954,"date":"2026-10-19T15:58:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T15:58:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/?p=4954"},"modified":"2026-10-20T15:57:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T15:57:17","slug":"oakham-nspcc-carol-concert-20-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/highlights\/oakham-nspcc-carol-concert-20-years\/10-2026","title":{"rendered":"Twenty Years of Carols: Oakham’s NSPCC Concert Celebrates a Milestone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cWe were only going to do it once,\u201d says Margaret Wheeler. Twenty years and more than \u00a3350,000 later, the NSPCC Christmas Carol Concert at All Saints’ Church in Oakham has become a much-loved fixture of Rutland’s Christmas.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ufeff\u201cWe were only going to do it once,\u201d says Margaret Wheeler. Twenty years and more than \u00a3350,000 later, that first NSPCC Christmas Carol Concert at All Saints\u2019 Church in Oakham has become a much-loved fixture in Rutland\u2019s festive calendar. For its founder, the anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people who have made it possible, and to consider what might come next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret is stepping down as organiser after this year\u2019s concert. With family commitments, including four grown-up children and ten grandchildren, she would like to reclaim some of the weeks that disappear into preparations each autumn. Her hope is that new people will come forward to help the event continue, bringing their own ideas to a tradition with a loyal following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Rutland beginning                  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally from Stockton-on-Tees, Margaret came to the University of Leicester to study French and German, later working as a lecturer at De Montfort University. Her introduction to Peter, the Leicester Tigers and England rugby player who would become her husband, came through her brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had a brother who played rugby and I went to watch him play and he was playing against Peter one day at Leicester Tigers,\u201d she recalls. \u201cSo that\u2019s how I met him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rugby was still amateur, and Peter combined playing with his work as an insurance broker. Following the game\u2019s 1995 move into professionalism, he became chief executive of Leicester Tigers, bringing his experience in business and on the pitch to the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The couple lived in Cossington and then Ragdale before moving to Cottesmore in 1999. With their children at school in Oakham, the move brought an end to Margaret\u2019s lengthy school runs and established the family in a county they quickly came to love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her involvement in church life and charitable work provided another connection to the community. She had also helped a friend organise three successful carol concerts at Leicester Cathedral, drawing on a format used for a Home-Start fundraising concert at the Guards\u2019 Chapel in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Rutland\u2019s NSPCC supporters were considering a new fundraising event, Margaret suggested trying something similar in Oakham. There was already a successful format to follow, and she could see how it might work locally. The first concert took place in 2006. From the outset, she wanted to offer an evening for adults, with excellent music and readings, carefully positioned among the county\u2019s other charitable events and Christmas celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI spotted a niche in the market for an adult carol concert,\u201d she says. The concert was designed to sit alongside village services of Nine Lessons and Carols and school Christmas productions. Margaret was conscious that those occasions already had their own place in the calendar, and wanted the NSPCC evening to offer something distinctive while respecting the fundraising work happening elsewhere in the county.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What began as an experiment soon became an occasion that people returned to, gathering friends together and making it part of their own Christmas traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An evening to enjoy  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The welcome begins with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine. Inside Oakham\u2019s All Saints\u2019 seasonal decorations help set the scene for an evening combining choral music, brass, readings and plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in. Rowell Camerata and the Ratby Co-operative Brass Band provide the musical performances. Margaret has always placed great importance on their quality, recognising that a concert\u2019s charitable purpose should be accompanied by entertainment people are keen to hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She credits choir director David Bevan with considerable help over the years, both through his musical contribution and his ability to suggest talented performers. Brass band conductor Chris Jeans has been another valued figure in creating the sound and character of the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There have been opportunities for soloists, too, including an oboist and a young singer from Oakham School whose performance of music from The Snowman remains a particularly happy memory for Margaret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the performances are familiar carols for everyone to sing. The evening\u2019s famously raucous rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas gives the audience an especially enthusiastic role, adding to the sense that the 400 people gathered in the church are helping to create the occasion themselves. It is a very sociable evening with room for laughter, and that is entirely deliberate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s possible to raise money for charity through enjoyment, really,\u201d says Margaret. \u201cYou\u2019re having a really good night out, but you are doing good for somebody else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concert is compered by Caroline Aston, the broadcaster and royal expert whose writing has appeared in Majesty magazine and The Daily Telegraph. As well as welcoming everyone, Caroline delivers the appeal towards the end of the evening, bringing attention back to the NSPCC and the reason for gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret describes Caroline\u2019s appeal as a \u201cgentle reminder of the real purpose of the concert.\u201d Further giving is voluntary, and the generosity of the retiring collection has repeatedly demonstrated how warmly audiences respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right words     <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many regular guests, the readings are among the evening\u2019s greatest pleasures. Funny, reflective and occasionally touching, they offer different perspectives on Christmas, delivered by people whose personalities have become part of the concert\u2019s appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Readers over the years have included Mary Berry, Rosemary Conley, Anne Davies of BBC East Midlands Today, Antiques Roadshow expert Lars Tharp, hotelier Tim Hart and gardening writer Nigel Colborn. Local connections and friendships have helped bring people to Oakham, and many have returned repeatedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friends in high spirits              <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary Berry first came through a friendship with a member of the committee, before The Great British Bake Off brought her to an even wider audience. Nigel Colborn contributed readings of his own, writing pieces for Margaret to consider as she assembled the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ability to tell a story has always mattered. A more recognisable name may encourage someone to buy a ticket, but clear delivery and a feeling for the material make the reading work once the audience is seated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur readers are very, very loyal,\u201d says Margaret. \u201cI\u2008don\u2019t even have to ask them. It\u2019s already in their diary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much of what they read begins with Margaret herself. Over two decades, she has collected three substantial files of possible material, looking for passages that will bring something fresh to the evening. \u201cI do a lot of work reading literature and all sorts of things, trying to collect readings that people won\u2019t have heard before,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For her final year as organiser, Margaret intends to revisit some favourites. It\u2019s a fitting way to acknowledge the concert\u2019s history through the words and performances that guests have particularly enjoyed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are some readings that people say, \u2018I want to hear that again\u2019,\u201d she says. Although the structure is familiar, the contents change. New music and different readings mean that returning guests can anticipate the kind of evening they enjoy while still discovering something new. That careful balance helps explain why audience members and readers have remained keenly involved over so many Christmases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A county behind the concert              <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret is always keen to widen any conversation about her own contribution to include the committee, performers, supporters and local businesses. Sustaining the concert for two decades has required a considerable collective effort, with people contributing money, practical help and their time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne thing I would stress is how Rutland have got behind us, the county,\u201d she says. \u201cSo many local businesses have been fantastic supporting us. Generous people like the late Robert Wills supported us from the very beginning, for which we\u2019re very grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gates Garden Centre helps with the church decorations and contributes to the hamper draw. Otters is another business Margaret singles out for its support, while donated hampers from companies like Harrods give guests the chance to take home something lovely for Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sponsors and programme advertisers make a substantial contribution to the fundraising total. With the church accommodating around 400 people, ticket sales have a natural limit, making the generosity of businesses particularly valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret has spent many hours maintaining those relationships, alongside securing readers, choosing material and bringing the programme together. Other responsibilities, including refreshments, advertising and publicity, are shared among the committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ongoing support         <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The strength of that support became especially apparent during the pandemic, when the concert could not take place. Donated hampers provided a way to continue fundraising, and Margaret contacted regular supporters to invite them to contribute what they would ordinarily have spent on tickets and enter the draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even during those years, without a concert, Margaret recalls raising around \u00a38,000 to \u00a39,000 each year, a remarkable response when there was no concert to attend. It demonstrated how much goodwill had grown around the event and its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her own contribution has also been recognised nationally with an NSPCC award presented by Sophie, now Duchess of Edinburgh, and Esther Rantzen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The charity\u2019s work has mattered to her since she was a young mother, when reading about a child suffering appalling cruelty made a lasting impression. Looking at her own healthy baby, she felt strongly that she wanted to help children whose circumstances were very different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That concern has remained central throughout the concert\u2019s history. In the programme, she makes space to explain the NSPCC\u2019s work, including the changing risks children face online. Christmas brings the contrast between secure, happy childhoods and the experiences of vulnerable children into particularly sharp focus. \u201cAny child that\u2019s suffering cruelty anywhere, I would be very happy to support them,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s anniversary therefore marks a considerable achievement: more than \u00a3350,000 raised, two decades of memorable evenings and a network of people willing to support the NSPCC through a local event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also offers a moment to consider how that work could continue. The committee of eight is keen to see the concert carried forward, and Margaret hopes that fresh enthusiasm and additional help will make that possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m hoping to hand it on to somebody else so that the concert can continue,\u201d she says. Its future has yet to be decided, so this year\u2019s concert could be the last. There is, however, an established audience, considerable goodwill and a committee with experience to share. For anyone interested in getting involved, those are encouraging foundations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret is open to the evening developing under new organisers, with responsibilities shared differently, and new people bringing ideas about sponsorship, publicity or the programme itself. Someone comfortable approaching businesses could help strengthen sponsorship. Experience in publicity, including reaching audiences online, would also be useful. Equally, practical organisation and a willingness to work with others have been essential throughout its history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The appeal invites people who have enjoyed the concert from a seat in the church to help shape what happens behind the scenes. For Margaret, Christmas now includes the commitments and pleasures of a large family, and the time has come to hand over an undertaking that occupies a substantial part of her autumn. After 20 years, there is every reason to appreciate what she has achieved and support her wish for the concert to find new energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 20th anniversary evening will be an opportunity to enjoy that achievement together, with music, laughter and familiar faces filling All Saints\u2019 once again. A new team could help ensure that future Christmases bring more evenings to enjoy and more support for children who need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 20th anniversary Rutland NSPCC Concert takes place on Monday 7th December from 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church, Oakham. Tickets cost \u00a320 from James Sellicks in Oakham and The Falcon in Uppingham. Founded in 1884, the NSPCC supports families, helps children recover from difficult experiences and campaigns for better protection, including through Childline and its ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe.’ programme in primary schools.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cWe were only going to do it once,\u201d says Margaret Wheeler. Twenty years and more than \u00a3350,000 later, the NSPCC…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4955,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,12],"tags":[1025,1023,1024,1027,1022,1026,1028],"class_list":["post-4954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","category-highlights","tag-all-saints-church-oakham","tag-carol-concert-tickets-oakham","tag-christmas-events-rutland","tag-margaret-wheeler","tag-nspcc-carol-concert-rutland","tag-oakham-carol-concert","tag-rutland-charity-events"],"acf":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4954"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4954\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4980,"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4954\/revisions\/4980"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pridemagazines.co.uk\/rutland-and-stamford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}