What an amazing and full December it was in the village. I just hope I have managed to include it all but first back to Nov. 25th and the evening of the Rolling Supper. Fantastic night of good food, great company and lots of fun as we all changed venues for each course, finally meeting up for coffee and chocolates in the village hall where experiences were shared and enjoyed. Well done Charlie, once again coming up trumps.
The Christmas Fair started events in December on Saturday 2nd. Rather a cold and blustery day, however, after a slow start soon the village hall was buzzing. Everywhere looked very festive with the tree on the stage and decorations all around. Lights outside on the village hall and around the Christmas tree, always looking so inviting. Brilliant raffle of themed hampers, also a beautiful Christmas cake Sally had made which was also raffled separately. Such a splendid variety of stalls, a wonderful event. Thursday 7th, tables were decorated beautifully in the village hall in preparation for the Christmas Book Group lunch. Hot turkey dinner with vegetarian option, delicious deserts, coffee & mints organised once again by Susie, big thank you. Thank you to Shona for providing the wine.
On Friday 8th, Rachel provided a most sensational evening in the village hall. This was to celebrate her Art & Design Foundation course all during the past year. The displays of work from every module were displayed all around the hall. What she has achieved was an exhibition to be very proud of as are all those that know her. Rachel also provided delicious canapés and wine for the evening enjoyed by all who attended. Brilliant.
The Crib & Nativity service on Sunday 17th was quite incredible. Charlie had once again excelled himself! Young and old were all involved, from Cows, Chickens & Goats to Kings, Shepherds etc. Joesph and Mary of course, with baby Jesus, Rose, Pete and Nixie’s youngest daughter. Beautifully behaved and looked amazed at everything that was going on around her. Excellent.
Monday 18th and a hive of activity was going on in and around the village hall. Tables, chairs etc and everything one needed for a very special lunch. The tables looked quite beautiful, with the addition of candles, crackers, greenery, berries and flowers enhancing each table. The Senior’s Christmas lunch, wow, just as brilliant as always. A suburb feast amongst friends and neighbours, with much song, laughter and fun. A HUGE Thank You to everyone who was involved, far too many to mention. It could not have happened without all the planning, in all aspects, especially to all the amazing cooks. Clearing away, washing up with eventually everything from tables to glasses back in their rightful places, what a heartfelt, sharing and friendship occasion.
Flower ladies were early on Wednesday 20th to decorate, dust & polish our beautiful little church. Everywhere looked stunning in readiness for the Christmas services. Thank you so much, Emma, for the very welcome coffee and delicious cake.
Carol services all over the Benefice have been attended and thoroughly enjoyed by the Benefice Choir. Ending, of course, with the village Carol Service on 21st. How very wonderful it was too, Amelia and Jemima singing the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City, gorgeous. They joined the choir, as did many others, including Marina and Sophie. Katarzyna sang the first verse of Infant Holy in Polish, very moving. Absolutely superb, so many attending, lovely to see so many children, a joyous occasion. We were treated to bubbles and nibbles outside afterwards where we were all able to catch up with everybody and the weather was so kind to us.
Saturday 23rd David & Lisa gave a very warm welcome to the village for drinks and nibbles that evening. Thank you so very much, everyone so enjoyed the evening in your beautiful home amongst friends and neighbours. Also meeting new faces, which was a delight. Christmas Eve had arrived. On that cold and crisp evening villagers arrived to join in with Carols on the Triangle outside the village hall. The youngest, just couldn’t keep her eyes open, bless her. What a special time. Thank you to Paul, who managed to play the keyboard even though his fingers were so cold! Also, to Marilyn for getting us altogether in her marvellous way. Wonderful.
Christmas Day was here, and the beautiful church was full to bursting to celebrate with the service at 11.15. Excited children’s faces, smiling faces everywhere, after which we made our happy way home to be greeted by the delicious aroma of roasting turkey! A most wonderful month and here we are now, almost halfway through January 2024. Singing, rehearsals etc have all started up! Panto time, yippee I hear you say! We look forward to seeing you all. A Happy and Healthy year to all, with much to look forward to. Almost time to light the fire, bliss.