The Natural History Museum has already got its Christmas decorations up – probably far too early, especially as this month has been the warmest October on record. But it does turn our minds to our Carols by Candlelight concert, which is going to be so lovely and seasonal. The beautiful St Luke’s Church in Chelsea is kindly hosting our special Royal Brompton celebration, exactly a week before Christmas on Monday 18 December, so we’ll really be feeling in the spirit. I do hope you can join us – we have journalist Emily Maitlis reading for us, and John Nettles (of Bergerac and Midsomer Murders fame – he has a superb voice). There’ll be beautiful music from the fabulous Icosa Chamber Choir too, you can check them out below. And of course, there’ll be all your favourite Christmas carols to sing along to. After the concert, come and join us for mulled wine and mince pies. If you like the sound of all that, then don’t delay – book your tickets here.  

Our Harefield Carols by Candlelight Concert at St Mary’s Church, Harefield, is on Thursday 14th December. St Mary’s is one of the most intimate and stunning village churches. With carols by candlelight, beautiful choir performances and carefully selected readings, it is a truly gorgeous experience. It’s free to attend, though we’re just asking that you kindly book seats here, so we know how many people to expect.

But before that… it’s our famous Great Brompton Quiz on Wednesday 22 November! Tables are going fast, and no wonder. With Clive Anderson as quizmaster and questions set by famed quiz writer Rich Warren, plus a live piano music round, and a sausage and mash dinner, it’s going to be such a great evening. I have just this moment secured my table of quizzers (we are just debating our name). Last year was a great success – so much so that we have had to move to a bigger venue – St Columba’s on Pont Street, Knightsbridge. Come and join us and have brilliant fun, all the while knowing that you are helping to support our Enhancing Critical Care appeal. Grab your smartest friends and secure your table now. 

I want to take this opportunity to say a big well done to our Neon Night Runners last week! These energetic university students painted themselves in neon paint before taking on a 5km run around the campus to raise money for Harefield Hospital. 

And it’s been a particularly special week for me, as two of our wonderful supporters have just offered to give a hugely generous amount to support a brand new unit for day case patients at Royal Brompton. We are delighted to say that this brand new facility will be named after them. We’ll let you know more as the building starts, but in the meantime – thank you so much to them! They have made my week, in fact my year!