Commonwealth War Graves Carol Service 2025: A fundraiser for the Foundation

On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, we gathered for a truly special evening at All Hallows by the Tower, marking the first time our annual carol service was held in this historic church.

Image: Mark Smith, Antiques Roadshow medal expert, gives a reading

Its proximity to the Tower Hill Memorial and shared history made it a fitting venue for our commemoration and celebration.

Over 200 guests and colleagues joined us for the service, which featured beautiful performances by the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir and Mared Pugh-Evans, Official Harpist to His Majesty The King.

Image: Official harpist to His Majesty The King Mared Pugh-Evans performing

We heard readings from Mark Smith (medals expert and long-time supporter of the Foundation), acclaimed author Onjali Q. Raúf, Lord Boateng CVO PC DL, CWGC Vice Chair, Vice Admiral Peter Hudson CB CBE, and Michele Jennings, Chief Marketing Officer and Director of the Foundation.

Image: We were delighted to have award-winning children's author Onjali Q. Raouf give a reading for us at this year's carol service

Following the service, we were welcomed at Trinity House (where former Commonwealth War Graves Commission colleague Iain Lower CB is now Deputy Master and CEO) for a festive celebration. This provided a wonderful opportunity to hear a few words from the Foundation Chair of Trustees, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE and to connect with some of our key supporters and members. 

Image: The delightful sounds of the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir serenaded visitors

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our teams, we are delighted to share that the event generated over £15,000 for the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, helping us continue our work to support key projects. We are very grateful to our generous sponsors for the evening, Clifford Chance LLP.

All images courtesy of Stuart Read.