What a marvellous way to end all the village activities with Steventon Carol service. Followed by Christmas drinks and canopies back at Matt & Tamin’s with a brilliant catch-up with everyone. Thank you both so very much for your wonderful welcome and hospitality, seems such a long time ago now. Monday 8th saw the village hall looking fabulous with all the Christmas decorations everywhere, plus tables equally lovely. Plus a sherry on arrival to greet everyone for the Senior Christmas lunch and mouthwatering aromas drifting from the kitchen. What can one say, except phenomenal, a huge Thank you and Congratulations to everyone involved which made this such a truly memorable occasion making us all feel very spoilt. The children’s Christmas party on the 9th Dec. was great fun looking at some of the photos, with lots of games, plus of course, the arrival of Santa! Well done Bella, Nixi, Domino and Charlotte. Thursday 11th, this time the village hall in all its beauty, was the venue for the Festive Book Group lunch. Susie had pulled it out of the hat once again, brilliant organisation, delicious food, wine, great company, thank you. We did eventually discuss the book in question! “Cast Iron” by Peter May. Only four had read this book, a few comments were, ‘far-fetched, unbelievable and disappointing, scoring only 5.5. It certainly didn’t put a damper on resuming our wonderful afternoon.
Early on Tuesday 16th, the flower ladies arrived at our gorgeous church once again to put finishing touches which of course looked and smelt just wonderful. Thank you Emma for your delicious ginger cake and coffee. Also a working party had arrived to erect two marquees in the church grounds in readiness for the Service of Celebration on the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. The church was packed, people had travelled many miles, abroad and the UK, some in Regency dress to celebrate on her actual birth date, amazing. The colour inside and outside of the church looked absolutely gorgeous. Revd Canon Michael Kenning welcomed everyone, followed with a prayer. The service included two readings from her novels, Mansfield Park chapter 9, interpreted beautifully by Shona, Tamsin, Annabel & James and Dorothy. The second, Prided & Prejudice chapter 43 read amazingly by Phillip Sykes. Steventon Singers sang, Oh! Mr Best You’re Very Bad, words from Jane Austen’s poem, which was great and worth all the practicing!!. A bible reading by Revd Jonah Watts from Jane Austen’s actual Bible, incredible. The sermon by Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester, was witty and inspiring which fitted the occasion beautifully. Paul ended the service by playing Voluntary XI by G.F. Handel, exceptional and very moving. There followed a procession to the marquee for a celebratory drink and a piece of birthday cake. Wow, what a cake it was, you had to see it to believe it, so stunningly beautiful. Imagine three books stacked on top of each other, each one at a slightly different angle, in pastel shades of one pink, one blue and the bottom one, green. Happy Birthday in the centre of the top book, with gorgeous raised flower heads at each corner. Fabulous Sally, well done. You had to look very carefully to make sure it was an actual cake! Bishop Philip had the pleasure of cutting the first slice, it also tasted delicious!
Christmas singing was appreciated at Oak Lodge as Steventon Singers entertained once again on Thursday 18th, with many residents and staff joining in, also with the actions! Sunday 21st the long awaited Crib service, excellent, with the arrival of many children and adults, great script, well done Charlie. Many budding actors in the making, whoopee! Panto next year? I’m sure Marilyn was very impressed. That evening Steventon Carol Service was here, prior to ours, the United Benefice Choir had sung at other carol services, 7th at Deane, 14th at North Waltham and 21st at Laverstoke, all I hasten to say were amazing and enjoyed by all. Back to Steventon’s which is where I started, all looking and sounding absolutely wonderful, Paul & Marily did amazing as always, we were all glowing when we arrived at Matt & Tamin’s and really enjoyed that first drink. Christmas Eve, the weather held as villagers arrived by the village triangle as we all joined in singing carols by torch light and lights around the village hall and tree, wonderful. Well done Paul & Marilyn plus all who came, great to see so many families. Christmas Day once again the beautiful church was packed as we all enjoyed this special service, with the knowing delights that would greet us when we got home. So as I look out on this wet and dismal day, I am greeted by the vision of around 30 or more blue tits going back and forth from the bird feeders, joined occasionally by goldfinches. What an amazing sight. Daffodils and bluebells are pushing up each day, catkins move around in the wind, spring not that long hopefully. Time for a cuppa with a last piece of Christmas cake I think. Oh no, the last piece has gone!