News from Woodmancote & Popham

We were thrilled to be able to hold our annual Carol Service at St James’ on 17th December.

Despite Omicron doing its best to deter parishioners, the Church was still pretty full. The singing was perhaps the loudest it has ever been, as not only was there a strong choir who sang It Was On A Starry Night, but we were also joined by 11 of The Dever Singers, so we raised the roof with the descants. The Christmas story was retold in the traditional readings, beautifully delivered by members of the congregation and by Rev’d John Rennie who led the service.

The Church looked beautiful with every window decorated with a Christmas tree by a family from the village and we sang traditional carols. We were also treated to a Cornet solo of O Holy Night, simply enchanting.

Afterwards we all went back to Mary Wallis’s house and stood in the courtyard, with braziers to keep us warm, drinking mulled wine and eating sausages and mince pies. The perfect start to Christmas.

As I write this we are yet to have our Christmas Day Service.

In January it is our traditional Plough Service on the 9th January at 3pm. Plough Service is seen as a way of generally celebrating farming and the work of farmers. We briefly stand outside to bless the fields and the plough during the Service. All very welcome. Jane.