News Beat
Tyldesley landlady invited to Christmas event by Princess of Wales
Sharon Mattin, 63, who runs The Union Arms in Tyldesley, received a royal invitation to attend the “Together at Christmas” event as recognition for her work surrounding dementia in the Tyldesley community.
Speaking on receiving the invitation to the once-in-a-lifetime event, Sharon said: “It was quite exciting actually. You don’t often get the opportunity to sit in a room with the royals. It was like something out of a movie.”
Sharon attended the event alongside 1600 others, including royals, celebrities, and those recognised for their impactful community work around the country.
The festive event took place on Friday, December 5, and included performances of classic Christmas carols from the Westminster Abbey choir, poems read by actors such as Kate Winslet, musical performances singers such as from Katie Melua, and a Bible reading from Prince William.
Sharon was anonymously nominated to attend the service for her work with social group, ‘The Forgotten Regulars’, winning the invitation to Westminster for the entire North West region.
Sharon has ran ‘The Forgotten Regulars’ for the last ten tears, inviting residents living with dementia to meet in The Union Arms each month to socialise, share meals, experience live music and performances and provide socialisation and support to members and their families. Older members of the group meet for lunch every Tuesday, ensuring a sense of community among the group’s older members.
“It’s nice to be recognised for the work we do,” Sharon added.
“Because we just crack on with what we do . We don’t expect people to give us recognition, we just do it because people in the community need it, but to be recognised for it was an honour.”
Sharon attended the carol service, with partner Dave, 65, sitting alongside friends of the future King, and meeting famous faces such as presenter, Amanda Holden.
“I never thought I’d get an opportunity to attend something like that, but I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life,” she added.
The Princess of Wales’s carol service has quickly become a tradition.
This year marks the fifth time she’s hosted such an event.
There were 1,600 people in attendance.
They were invited because it was felt they had somehow acted with love towards their communities, making them more cohesive and connected by volunteering, showing kindness and empathy, or in some other capacity.
he concert itself is inclusive and non-denominational, and features readings from guests including Kate Winslet, Hannah Waddingham and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Also appearing are young musicians supported by Future Talent, a charity co-founded by the Duchess of Kent, who passed away in September.
The carol service will be broadcast at 7.25pm
