Inspired by billionaire John Caudwell : A 7 year old’s decision sparks a wave of generosity this Christmas

In an extraordinary act of generosity, 7-year-old James “JC” Connor has shown the true spirit of Christmas by choosing to donate a special prize to raise funds for his school, rather than keep it for himself. 

His selfless act serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of giving during the holiday season.

Instead of accepting a private suite to the Disney on Ice event at the O2 Arena, a VIP experience his parents won through a charity auction, JC decided to raffle it off and donate the proceeds to his school. Inspired by his parents, Stephen and Ha Smith, who recently joined the John Caudwell’s Philanthropy Group, The Life Changers Circle, JC was motivated to make a difference in his community.

“We won the private suite at a charity auction aimed at raising funds for supporting care workers, and we thought JC would love to invite his friends,” said his father, Stephen Smith. “But when he told us he wanted to use it to raise money for his school, we were truly amazed.”

JC’s passion for philanthropy began when he was elected by his class mates to become a school councillor. 

At his first meeting, he learned that the school needed a new climbing frame for the younger students. Inspired by this, JC decided to raise the necessary funds.

“He came home and told me the Reception Year children needed a new climbing frame, and he was determined to raise the money for it,” said his mother, Ha Smith. “We are so proud of his initiative.”

Instead of keeping the highly coveted prize, JC chose to raffle it off to help others. “I saw my parents helping others, and I wanted to do something special for my school too. It feels really good to help people,” said JC.

And this is not the first time that young JC has looked to support his school. Last year he helped organise a group of children from the school to participate in an opening event with Queen Camilla which ended with JC handing Camilla a posy of flowers.

The funds raised through the raffle will directly support educational programs, school supplies, and extracurricular activities at Our Lady & St John’s (OLSJ) Primary School, ensuring that all students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

The raffle prize—a private suite at the much-anticipated Disney on Ice show at the O2 Arena—was highly sought after. Despite the initial temptation to keep it for himself, JC chose to offer it to others, with all proceeds benefiting his school. His selflessness and determination have left a lasting impact on both his peers and the local community.

"The Life Changers Circle focuses on a number of children-based charities but also acts as as a catalyst to inspire the next generation to make meaningful contributions to society, and so we couldn’t be prouder of our son for embodying these values," said Stephen and Ha Smith, who recently joined the Circle. "Seeing him choose to help others, even when it meant sacrificing something he really wanted, is a true testament to the power of giving."

John Caudwell, founder of The Life Changers Circle, praised JC’s generosity. “In these challenging times, charity is more important than ever, and JC’s selflessness is an example for us all,” he said.

Not stopping there, JC asked his parents to create a JustGiving page to raise additional funds. To date, he has raised an impressive £5,630, with contributions from family, friends, and the local community. 

When added to the monies that JC has raised through the Raffle he will have raised well over £7000 for the school that he loves so much.

This heartfelt gesture has caught the attention of the local community, with many praising JC for his mature understanding of generosity at such a young age. His school’s principal, Mrs. Cunningham, expressed admiration for his actions.

“We are incredibly proud of James Connor for demonstrating such a powerful message about the importance of giving, especially at a time when we are reminded of how essential it is to support one another. His actions inspire us all to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas,” said Mrs. Cunningham.

In a world often focused on materialism, JC stands as a beacon of kindness. His parents expressed their pride in their son’s compassionate decision, saying, “We are so proud of JC for choosing to help others. It’s moments like these that remind us all of the importance of kindness and giving back.”

This Christmas, James Connor has reminded us that the greatest gifts are those that come from the heart. His actions serve as a beautiful example of how one person’s decision to put others first can spark a wave of goodwill and generosity.

For more information or to contribute, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jc

James “JC” Connor is a 7-year-old student at Our Lady & St John’s Primary School in Brentford, West London, known for his infectious enthusiasm and big heart. 

This Christmas, he has made a significant impact through his selfless fundraising efforts, proving that even the youngest among us can make a world of difference.

The Perfect Gift for a Gin Lover: A Salcombe Gin School Voucher

Finding the perfect gift for the gin enthusiast in your life can feel like a daunting task. 

With so many gins, accessories, and experiences available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

But if you’re looking to truly impress, there’s one gift that stands out from the crowd: a Salcombe Gin School voucher. 

Here’s why this experience is a game-changer for any gin lover and how to pair it with thoughtful extras to make the gift even more memorable.

Why Choose a Salcombe Gin School Voucher?

Salcombe Gin, located in the picturesque coastal town of Salcombe, Devon, is renowned for its exceptional craft gins. The brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and creativity makes it a favourite among gin connoisseurs. Their Gin School experience allows participants to dive deep into the art of gin-making, offering a unique opportunity to create a personalised bottle of gin.

What the Experience Includes:

Hands-On Gin Distilling: Attendees work with a mini copper pot still, selecting from a wide array of botanicals to craft their unique gin.

Expert Guidance: Salcombe Gin’s master distillers provide insights into the history of gin, the distillation process, and the role of botanicals.

Take-Home Gin: Participants leave with their bespoke bottle of gin, complete with a personalised label.

Gin Tasting: The experience includes a guided tasting of Salcombe Gin’s award-winning range.

How to Make the Gift Extra Special

While the voucher itself is a standout present, pairing it with a thoughtful extra can elevate the gift to the next level. Here are some ideas:

1. A Bottle of Salcombe Gin

Include a bottle of one of Salcombe Gin’s signature creations, such as ‘Start Point’ or ‘Rosé Sainte Marie’. This allows the recipient to enjoy the brand’s craftsmanship before their Gin School experience.

2. Gin Accessories

Consider adding high-quality gin glasses, a cocktail shaker, or a garnishing set. These items will complement their newfound gin-making skills.

3. A Recipe Book

A beautifully curated gin cocktail recipe book can inspire the recipient to experiment with their custom gin and create new drinks at home.

4. A Note of Anticipation

Write a heartfelt note explaining why you chose this gift. Mention how much you’re looking forward to hearing about their gin-making adventure.

The Perfect Gift for Every Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or simply a gesture of appreciation, a Salcombe Gin School voucher is a versatile and thoughtful gift. It’s more than just a present; it’s an experience that creates lasting memories. Plus, it’s ideal for gin lovers of all levels, from casual fans to seasoned aficionados.

How to Purchase

Salcombe Gin School vouchers can be purchased directly from the Salcombe Distillery website. You can choose between digital or physical delivery, making it a convenient option for last-minute shoppers or those planning well in advance.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to gifting, experiences often leave a more profound impact than material items. By giving a Salcombe Gin School voucher, you’re not just offering a gift; you’re sharing an opportunity to explore creativity, learn something new, and savour the results. 

Paired with a thoughtful extra, this gift is sure to delight any gin enthusiast. Cheers to finding the perfect present!

http://www.salcombedistilling.com

How to Stage a Nativity for Family Members, School or Church Groups in the Run-Up to Christmas

The nativity play has been a beloved Christmas tradition for centuries, re-enacting the story of Jesus’ birth in a simple yet meaningful way. 

Whether you’re organising one for a school, a church, or a family gathering, putting together a nativity is a wonderful way to bring people together during the festive season. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you stage a memorable nativity.

1. Planning and Preparation

Begin by determining the size and scope of your nativity play. Will it be a small family affair, or a larger production for a school, youth group or church group? Once you have a clear vision, consider the following:

Participants: Identify the number of people involved. Traditional roles include Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, wise men, and, of course, baby Jesus. You may need narrators or even musicians to accompany carols.

Script: There are many ready-made scripts available online, but feel free to create your own. Keep the dialogue simple, especially if children are participating. If you have a mixture of ages, consider using narration to tell parts of the story, allowing younger children to act without the pressure of speaking.

Time and Venue: Decide when and where you will perform the nativity. For schools or churches, the stage area or hall is usually ideal, while at home, a living room, garden or a gazebo in the garden can work beautifully.

2. Costumes and Props

Costumes need not be elaborate to be effective. In fact, simple, homemade outfits can add charm to the play. For instance:

Mary and Joseph: Plain robes or tunics, which can be created using large pieces of fabric or bedsheets tied with rope or belts.

Angels: White clothing paired with simple cardboard or fabric wings, perhaps decorated with glitter to catch the light and a tinsel halo, too?

Shepherds: Brown or beige robes, paired with a wooden stick as a staff. A tea towel draped over the head works wonderfully as a shepherd’s headpiece.

Wise Men: Colourful robes and homemade crowns crafted from cardboard or foil will help these characters stand out.

For props, you’ll need a manger for baby Jesus (which could be a small box filled with straw or hay), gifts for the wise men (such as wrapped boxes), and perhaps a star or two for decoration.

3. Rehearsals

Rehearsals are key to ensuring the play runs smoothly, especially if young children are involved. Here are some tips for a stress-free practice:

Keep It Light: Focus on creating a fun, relaxed environment. While the nativity is an important story, it’s meant to bring joy, so let children be themselves.

Short Rehearsals: Keep rehearsals short and sweet. Repetition is important, but don’t expect perfection, especially with younger participants.

Use Visual Aids: If participants are struggling to remember their lines or cues, consider using cue cards, or have an adult stand nearby to prompt them.

4. Incorporating Music

Music plays an important role in most nativity plays. You might want to include classic Christmas carols like "Silent Night", "Away in a Manger", or "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". For a school or church production, live accompaniment such as a piano or guitar, or recorders works wonderfully. If this isn’t possible, recorded music can be played in the background.

Consider encouraging the audience to join in with singing the carols, creating a truly interactive and communal experience.

5. Setting the Scene

The nativity setting doesn’t require elaborate staging. A simple backdrop can be crafted using dark fabric to represent the night sky, with a few stars or twinkling lights to evoke a magical atmosphere. If you’re hosting it indoors, rearranging some furniture to create an open space will allow everyone to gather round and feel part of the scene.

For outdoor nativities, take advantage of natural settings like a garden or field, and consider setting up a stable using wooden pallets or bales of hay.

6. The Day of the Performance

When the day of the performance arrives, it’s essential to keep the mood light-hearted and festive. Whether it’s for family or a larger audience, remember that it’s not about a perfect production but celebrating the meaning of Christmas together. Some final tips:

Arrival and Seating: Make sure the audience has a good view, and consider setting up chairs or cushions for them to sit comfortably.

Recording: If possible, record the performance or take photos to create lasting memories.

After the Play: Consider hosting a small gathering after the performance, with festive treats like mince pies, mulled wine (for adults), or hot chocolate for children, to celebrate the participants' hard work.

7. Involving Everyone

If you're organising a family nativity, it’s a great opportunity to include everyone. Even those who don’t want to act can help with costumes, set design, or reading out carols. In larger groups, consider assigning older children or adults to direct, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

You could even get non-acting people to be involved in serving refreshments including biscuits, orange squash and cakes. And in washing up afterwards, too!

Final Thoughts

A nativity play brings the Christmas story to life and offers an opportunity to reflect on its true meaning amidst the busyness of the festive season. 

By following these steps, you can create a heart-warming and memorable experience for all involved, whether it’s a small family event, a school production, or a church performance.

Ultimately, the joy and spirit of Christmas will shine through, making it a special occasion for everyone.