The crowd at the annual Guyra Multi Purpose Service Hospital Auxiliary Christmas Carols was smaller than organiser Trish Fields had hoped - but it was still a lovely night for all who came.
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The Armidale City Band played Christmas music; children ran around playing and dancing; and everybody joined in the Christmas carols.
The residents of the Kolora aged care facility watched the fun. "We had a captive audience as well as the free range one!" Mrs Fields said.
The star of the night was Presbyterian minister Andrew Campbell who conducted the service, emceed the night, and found himself the lead singer.
"He was very lonely up there singing in front of the crowd," Mrs Fields said. "So I got up and sang too; I haven't sung in public for 42 years. It was a bit dodgy whether I'd be able to do it, but I enjoyed it very much."
Attendees also devoured the sausage sizzle, raising funds for the MPS.
The Hospital Auxiliary provides patient comforts that are outside the Hunter New England format.
"They provide the medical and structural; we look after the people themselves," Mrs Fields said.
This year, for instance, the Auxiliary helped to refit the lounge, tidied the grounds to make things beautiful, and provided bedding, television sets, and other necessities.
"We like to look after the little things that add to the comfort."
Next year, Mrs Fields said, she and the minister will plan the carol evening in October to make sure it is bigger, better, and even more fun.