Hanslope’s Christmas has really got going this weekend (15/16th December).
There was the successful Christmas Fayre on Saturday with the turning on of the Village Christmas Lights courtesy of The Friends of Hanslope. Father Christmas was there and there was lots of music including fabulous jazz. Competitions, games, stalls and even gifts for the youngsters of the Village. A really great time was had by all.
On Sunday the Methodists had their Christmas Lunch followed by their Christingle and Christmas Carol Service in the afternoon. A well attended and beautiful service with lots of well known carols including several children’s carols and Bible readings telling the Christmas Story. The Rev Pat Nimmo explained the origins of Christingle, graphically illustrating her talk with visual aids.
For more information on the origins of Christingle – CLICK HERE
St James the Great and St Simon and St Jude’s churches had their combined Carol Service in Castlethorpe Church on Sunday evening. Worshippers filled the church and participated in a service of nine lessons and nine carols supported by the absolutely fantastic Benefice Choir who are getting better and better every year. In addition to leading the congregation in the Carols they sang four anthems brilliantly:
- “The Lord at first did Adam make” – an arrangement by Music Director Alex Allcock-Rouse from David Willcocks setting of an English traditional carol.
- “Still, still, still” music arr Mack Wilberg (Austrian carol).
- “Adam lay y’bounden” anon 15th Century (arr Boris Ord)
- “A babe is born I wys” (arr F Bainton).
After this very moving reminder of the true meaning of Christmas the congregation shared Christmas greetings with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies.
PEACE ON EARTH – GOODWILL TO MEN (and the ladies!)