COMMUNITY NEWS

  • IN the aftermath of the builders, it took real community spirit to tidy, dust, clean, hoover & polish the Church into good shape – many thanks to those who helped.
  • THEN it was all the candles to be sorted and arranged, the beautiful tree (donated by the Co-op Funeral Service & Value House) tastefully decorated by Jan, the readers to be organised – and all was ready for our Candlelit Carol service!

I for one, thought it was one of our finest, in spite of the best attempts of the weather – friends from away had to miss it - but 40 hardy souls (plus Rev. Ada & Peter the organist from Portesham!) stood in darkness as Barry ‘sang in the light’ – a single candle processed to the altar to the strains of Once in Royal David’s City – from whence it was passed around the congregation & all to all the candles set about the church.

It really was a very moving start to the Christmas season and after the lessons & carols, we retired to the village hall for the Wassail – a fabulous punch made and served by the intrepid 4, with mince pies and sausage rolls – thank you all who made it such a special evening!

  • Unfortunately the Salvation Army had to cancel their Carol session at the Elm Tree as it was to dangerous for them to drive out - never mind – next year we will hopefully be singing around the braziers in the yard!
  • THE Village Christmas Card boards outside the Church look splendid and raised an amazing £199 towards the next lot of building works – well done those who took part and Martin for organizing it – we hope more will join in next year!
  • LAST night I thought I was hearing angels! – then, there was a knock on the door and there amid the snow & ice (of which we still have plenty, as we are only a village, therefore only one VERY short visit by a gritting lorry!) was a heavenly host – well about 10 villagers, actually – singing their hearts out!

It was lovely and through the evening as I passed a window, I would open it & listen to them wending their way around the houses – another nice collection was taken I gather – thank you one and all.

  • FRIDAY night is the Midnight service, which due to the state of the roads, we are a bit concerned about – but a working party are going out this afternoon armed with shovels, brooms and a couple of bags of grit bought in town so, hopefully.... then in the morning we will be celebrating the birth of Christ at 10.30!

I HOPE you all have a Blessed and Peaceful Christmas!