Hemyock

The Friends of St Mary's led by Jane Attlee, the Festival Co-ordinator, were delighted to welcome visitors to a Festival of Trees in Advent between December 15 - 17. Trees will be on view during the Christmas period.

Many local organisations took part and decorated their trees to demonstrate features of their activities.  The trees and parts of the Church were illuminated with a multitude of lights, quite an electrical feat itself. The Friends of St Mary's support the maintenance of the village's oldest building and would like to thank all those who sponsored trees, or took part in any way to make the event so successful.

There was standing room only in the Church for the annual Christingle service as over 100 Christingles were collected by children with the candles lit from the advent ring by the Rev David Sherwood.  With only the tree lights and the candles illuminating the Church, Away in a Manger was sung creating a magical atmosphere and presenting a glimpse of the true meaning of Christmas to all present.

A total of £210.53 was collected during the service which is being sent to the Children's Society.