Radio 3's Sandy Burnett does the honours at St. Michael and All Angels

Charity Christmas cards and advent calendars have gone on sale in Chiswick at St Michael & All Angels church, Bedford Park.

The Cards for Good Causes shop will be open until Saturday December 16th, selling cards, wrapping paper and other seasonal goods in aid of more than 25 local and national charities.

The shop was opened on Wednesday by Sandy Burnett, the presenter of Radio 3's breakfast programme, Morning on 3. He was welcomed by Mother Katherine Hedderly, the curate at St Michael & All Angels, and Anne Mower, the manager of the shop (see pictures left). Sandy lives locally and conducts the monthly Bach Cantatas concert at St Michael's, as well as being a regular performer at the Bedford Park Festival.

Last year, the Cards for Good Causes scheme raised over £5 million for a wide range of charities. They included the Chiswick-based Epilepsy Research Foundation as well as many of the best-known names, such as Barnardo’s, Help The Aged, the British Heart Foundation, Mencap, the NSPCC and The Samaritans. Charities receive at least 81p in every £1 from their card sales.

St Michael's own Christmas card is also on sale in the church, featuring a painting of its south porch in the snow by local architect Oliver West. A packet of 10 cards costs £3.50 and the profit goes to the church's repair and repainting fund.

The shop at St Michael’s is staffed by dozens of volunteers from the church and will be open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, except on Wednesday when it opens at 1pm.

St Michael’s church is on Bath Road, Chiswick, W4, close to Turnham Green tube station. Look for the red triangular Father Christmas sign!

September 10, 2007