This December, Maggs will mark a powerful full-circle moment in its history. On Sunday 21st December — the exact date Maggs first opened its doors in 1985 — we will return to All Saints Church, Worcester, for a Christmas carol service honouring the place and the people who helped bring the charity to life.
This gathering forms part of our 40th anniversary year: a time to reflect on where we began, celebrate the work happening today, and look ahead with hope to the future.
A Return to Where Our Story Began
Maggs was founded in 1985 following the tragic death of John Maggs, a local man who died alone after years of homelessness. His death prompted a remarkable city-wide response. Local residents, community leaders, and the churches of All Saints and St Nicholas came together in compassion to ensure that no one in Worcester would again be left unseen or unsupported.
All Saints played a pivotal role in those early days — helping form the first Steering Committee and later securing the former St Alban’s Church as Maggs’ first home. Returning to All Saints exactly forty years later is not just symbolic: it is a deeply meaningful moment of remembrance, gratitude and renewed purpose.
“A Chance to Honour Our Roots and Look Forward With Hope”
Speaking about the significance of the service, Melissa Blewitt, Fundraising, Communications & Relationships Manager, said:
“Returning to All Saints for this service is incredibly meaningful for us. This church was there at the beginning of Maggs’ story, when the community came together in response to John Maggs’ death and chose compassion over indifference. Forty years later, the need is still great, but so is the generosity and determination of Worcester. This service is a chance to honour our roots, celebrate the work happening today, and look ahead with real hope as we continue supporting people who need us most.”
A Service Filled With Meaning
The carols and readings have been shaped around the themes of our past, present and future — weaving together the story of how Maggs began, the work we do now, and the vision we hold for the next forty years. This year’s date holds special significance: 21st December 1985 was the day Maggs first opened its doors. Marking our anniversary on that very day creates a powerful moment of reflection and renewal.
Rev Jamie Klair of All Saints Worcester shared: “Forty years on from that initial act of vision and compassion at All Saints Worcester in the wake of John Maggs’ death, we are gathering with Maggs to celebrate all that has been done in Worcester and beyond. On Sunday, we are hosting these carols as a collective moment brimming with defiant hope. We believe that no matter how dark the night, it is truly the light and love of Jesus, expressed in our joyful surrender as we love our neighbour, that is city-changing good news for all of us.”
A Community Coming Together
The service will also include a moment of thanks for the many partners who stand alongside Maggs — including volunteers, local councils, healthcare teams, faith groups, colleges, charities and businesses across Worcestershire. Their support enables Maggs to continue offering warmth, dignity and life-changing support to hundreds of people every year.
Join Us on Sunday 21st December
The Maggs 40th Anniversary Christmas Carol Service will take place:
📍 All Saints Church, Deansway, Worcester
🗓 Sunday 21st December 2025
⏰ 3pm – 4:30pm (approx.)
🎟 Free to attend – everyone is welcome
We would love to see you there as we honour the past, celebrate the present, and step with hope into the future.
