Retreat offers youngsters a place for some quiet reflection/p By Ella Hyland

BLESSED Edward Oldcorne Catholic College welcomed back staff and pupils who had been celebrating Christmas early at Solihouse religious retreat in Stratford-upon-Avon.

A selection of pupils from year 11 went to Solihouse on December 11, staying for four days before returning on December 14, and had a fantastic time.

Becky Nottingham, a student at the school, said: "It was a very reflective time."

Pupils from the college have been going to Solihouse at Christmas for many years and RE teacher Frank Tota thinks that it is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit, saying: "Solihouse provides a chance to prepare for Christmas in the true sense of the word: it helps the students prepare for letting Christ come into our lives at Christmas."

Activities at the retreat include group prayer, meditation and discussions about topics that are relevant to young Christians today, as well as a few hours free time to fit in some last minute Christmas shopping. Many of the pupils found it very enlightening and found that it has given them a new perspective on the true meaning of Christmas.

Solihouse is open all year and provides a stimulating place for groups of students to go in order to get away from the strains of everyday life. It marries faith with fun and is run by a group of lively, young people.

Deputy principal Mary Amphlett said: "It is absolutely wonderful to see the children coming back every year so full of joy."

While Blessed Edward Oldcorne pupils are looking forward to an enjoyable and relaxing Christmas, staff are looking forward to returning next year!

They look at you as if you're filth - one man's tale of life on the city's streetsBy Samuel GeuterIS there one word that describes your experience of Christmas? "Rubbish," says Chris Blanch, a weathered veteran of Worcester's streets.

Chris has lived rough in the city centre for three years, only two weeks of which were in sheltered accommodation. His Christmas will be a modest one, spent for the most part perched beside a city cash point, fighting a penetrating cold.

He said: "It is dangerous, yeah. I knew someone who died a couple of years ago."

People like Chris, who are not even in sheltered accommodation, have more than just the cold to fear. As Christmas parties get under way in the city centre, the homeless anticipate violence. "They look at you as if you're filth; it's pretty scary sometimes," said Chris. "You can just get attacked on the street".

Luckily, there are a number of organisations working full tilt to ensure that our homeless are looked after. Trevor Gibb, of the Worcester City Mission, works alongside the Salvation Army to host a soup run' in the High Street on Friday and Saturday evenings. He also undertakes seasonal tasks, such as distribution of Christmas parcels.

Trevor has created a system of food vouchers, allowing the homeless to buy discounted food from a local chip shop, which will be a welcome treat. Aside from practicalities like supplying food and sleeping bags, the mission is dedicated to providing a tinge of festive cheer for the homeless. "Last year, we gave out hampers to our clients, which had very positive feedback. So this year we are doing the same thing," he said.

Despite spending Christmas under the stars, Chris has not resorted to alcohol to raise his own spirits. His hopes are focused and within reach - to get into accommodation and off the street, to reunite with his mother in Evesham and build a new life. The veteran believes the seasonal festivities warms people's attitudes towards the homeless.

"At Christmas they do change; everyone's more generous," he said.

So it is heartening to know that, even though their Christmas will be shivery, Worcester's homeless will not be alienated from the city's cheer and goodwill.

Church's festive celebration is now in its 11th yearBy Daniel MarriottPARISHIONERS of St Joseph's RC Church, Warndon, came together on Sunday, December 9, for a festive celebration, including carols and a Christmas blessing.

The celebration, led by the multi-parish musical group Mixed-Blessings, is the 11th consecutive celebration held by the church. The group specialises in bringing traditional English carols together with contemporary hymns, and using icons and symbols as a means of portraying the true meaning of Christmas.

Parish priest Father Kevin Kavanagh spoke of how the now annual carol concert had "almost become a tradition". Parishioners joined in the merriment with families from the adjoining Catholic primary school, the hall of which was used for the convergence.

Parishioners and clergy from the nearby St Wulstan's Anglican church also joined in the celebration, symbolising the newfound unity between the two denominations.

After the main event, drinks and mince pies were served, as well as the compulsory mulled wine. To close the celebration, the congregation were given the chance to win a variety of festive prizes and goodies, in the form of a fund-raising raffle.

Tanya Reese, a guest of a parishioner, said: "It was truly a lovely evening. I'm not a Christian but it was lovely to reflect on the story of Christmas."