A magical fantasy scene features on the Christmas card of family support charity Home-Start Winchester and Districts. But for two of the women closely involved with the production of this year’s card, heartbreak and mixed memories linger as they recognise the very personal importance of ‘family.’

The card features Santa’s sleigh flashing through the night sky above St Cross – watched below by a gathering of families which includes Mary, Joseph and the Master of the famous hospital foundation.

The characters are poignant for Home-Start co-ordinator Liz Stannard whose father, Canon Colin Deedes was Master of St Cross between 1980 and 1992. Liz has many happy memories of returning from university to home at the Master’s Lodge and was married at the ancient Chapel.

Almost six years after her father died, Liz returned to St Cross with local artist Daphne Vaughan who has designed the exclusive card to raise funds for Home-Start Winchester and Districts.

For Daphne the visit was charged with emotion. Her son Tom died tragically this year aged just 34. He grew up in St Cross and his funeral in May saw crowds of old school friends and family and work colleagues gather at the church for a final ‘farewell party.’

Talking about this year’s card Daphne said: “There was only one place I wanted to set the painting and that had to be St Cross. Of course, it’s a tribute to Tom and all that he meant to me – and the other people who loved him. But it’s also a fun card and I hope it will sell really well and support the amazing work that Home-Start does for so many local families.”

Liz Stannard echoed similar sentiments. “Christmas is a time when there is a lot of focus on families. It can be happy but it can also stir up difficult emotions. It’s certainly a time when many of us remember family members or friends we have lost.

“Many of the families supported by our wonderful Home-Start volunteers are struggling with financial hardship, mental health problems, poor housing or disabilities all year round. For them Christmas can also mean added pressure and a sense of feeling ‘left behind’.

“We’re so grateful to Daphne for taking the time to design this card for us – at what has been such a difficult time for her. As always, we’ve had fantastic support from Culverlands Printers who have produced the card at cost price and this year we’ve had a donation from Dutton Gregory solicitors which has helped defray our expenses. Over 80% of the money raised from selling this amazing card will go directly to support our work with local families. It’s a real community effort to support families in Winchester.”

Home-Start Christmas cards are being sold at the Winchester Charity Christmas Card Market which is based in the Tourist Information Centre. They are also stocked in Winchester at Well’s Bookshop, Cornflowers and The Hambledon. Additionally, packs can be bought (at £4-95 for 10 cards) directly from Home-Start Winchester: phone 01962 851177 to arrange collection.