Seven new Anna Friends for Alton's team

Some of the new Anna Friends Sarah Broadbent, Clive Muller, Penelope Kennedy, Maurice Goor and Alison Saunders

Last Sunday's Advent service included the commissioning of seven new Anna Friends for the Anna Chaplaincy team in the Hampshire market town led by Anna Chaplain Kate Powell.

New Anna Friends Di Wright and Ian Taylor

In the home of Anna Chaplaincy- where it all began back in 2010- this approach to ministry among older people is really making a difference.

'The work Kate and the Anna Chaplaincy team do is amazing and so appreciated by many within the community' said Methodist minister, the Revd Philip Simpkins, who led Sunday's service.

Methodists were joined by Anglicans for the special GAP (Greater Alton Project) Advent service. Anna Chaplaincy's original pioneer Debbie Thrower gave a short update on the work of the national Anna Chaplaincy team, welcomed the new Anna Friends, and led the congregation in prayer. The new recruits swell Kate's team of volunteer Anna Friends to more than 20 now!