Candlelight, Holly, and People

 One wreath made and delivered to a friend.  I am always amazed at how much greenery goes into one wreath.  I walked around the gardens and Owl Wood, cutting and snipping, filling a very large trug to add to the Christmas tree offcuts.  The massed greenery looked sufficient to make three wreaths.  Ha!  No, later today I will take a wheelbarrow around with me, that should hold enough for the large wreath for the courtyard gates. 

A bit more padding out and that was the first one ready.

The big event of the day was the Carols by Candlelight.  We have no vicar, haven't had one willing to take over the 9 churches in this country parish for a number of years now, so it is run and organised by the three churchwardens, some retired school teachers, and me.

The church is perfect, not too large, not too small.  It is, however, falling into disrepair, damp being the worst problem.  Every penny raised from last night will go towards maintaining the place.  It needs so much more.  It is the kind of place which that dreadful Archbishop would probably be happy to sell off.  We mustn't let that happen.

Last night it was filled almost to the brim with people aged from well into their 90's, right the way down to a 6 month old baby.  It was a happy gathering, the largest we have had since we put on the first one, three years ago.

The atmosphere was jolly, lots of goodwill, happiness and the singing was much improved on previous years.  There were people from at least five or six different villages, including (methinks) some who sing in a choir.  Indeed, two of them looked as though they could sing some rather good sea shanties, but instead they belted out the carols and other jolly songs.  We were also treated to the first verse of 'Once in Royal David's City' being sung by a superb, properly trained singer.   Spine tinglingly good.

Darkness had fallen and the only thing lighting the countryside was the light from the arched church windows.  Torches were necessary to help pick our way through the graveyard, past the ancient yews, and into the warmth of the church - warm because the heaters were on, a rare treat.

Candles in all the windows, lots of red-berried holly strewn around and warmth.  It wasn't just the warmth from the heaters, it was the warmth of friendly folk gathered together.

I ran the raffle, so most of my time was spent selling the tickets, ably assisted by Frankie.  It was easy selling them, the prizes on offer saw to that, the real work came in folding and tearing the tickets for the draw.   

Miss Read was there; I managed to have a couple of chats with her.  She told me about the old heating system and how it had to be lit two days before a Service and the aisle carpets rolled back to allow the heat to rise from the pipes below.  

After the singing and the readings we served mulled wine, coffee and mince pies.  Yet more tickets for the raffle were sold, which made for some rather frantic folding before we moved onto the draw.

First prize was a Christmas Hamper filled with some delicious Christmas treats and wine.  That was won by a woman from the next village.   

I am delighted to say that a young girl won a very pretty angel which I had made from my old gel prints.  She had had her eye on it from the moment she saw it, totally ignoring the larger and grander one made from old music sheets.  That angel was meant for her, there was no 'fixing' the draw, she won it fair and square and was as happy as could be.  So was I.

So, for the first time in a while, our lovely old church was filled with happiness, laughter, community spirit.  I think it was a success because it was a simple gathering, simple readings, familiar songs and, dare I say it, no vicar.  

Perhaps that is a terrible thing to say but I honestly believe that a vicar would have put off at least half the people there - too much formality.  This was just a gathering, meeting and greeting old friends and new friends, community singing and some tasty treats.  

The church always has a wonderful atmosphere, I often call in when I am out walking the loop around the three villages.   Last night the building came alive.  Candlelight, holly, and people.

Once again, thanks for the comments.  Lovely to hear from you, Linda - and Billy Blue Eyes!  When time permits I will have another go at trying to find a way to comment/reply.  Too much going on at the moment.