A cheque for €450 was handed to Pater (Father) Gottfried Meier in the beautiful surroundings of St Marien church by Father Mark Morton, Senior Chaplain of Gütersloh Garrison and Father Len Purcell, Community Chaplain for Gütersloh Garrison, on Friday, March 6.

Pater Meier, who is based at St Marien church, a former monastery dating from 1185, was receiving the cheque on behalf of the Ecumenical Social Fund.

The money was raised during the first British-German Carol Service held in the historical church on December 10 last year.  The service was conducted by both German and British clergy and featured carols from both countries.  A fantastic €900 was donated at the festive carol service which was attended by both the military and local community in strong numbers.  €450 will also be donated to the Army Benevolent Fund.

Upon receiving the cheque, Pater Meier said the donation would be used by the Ecumenical Social Fund, a welfare fund managed by local churches, to help families in times of emergency and need in the Harsewinkel area.

Of the event Father Morton said: “The service was such a success that the plan is to make it an annual event.  It succeeded in bringing the military and local population together.”