We ended the year with our traditional Christmas Carol Service, led by David Venus, our Church Treasurer and musical accompanist. As we said farewell to the year, we joined in song to celebrate the season, and look forward to the New Year ahead.

We held our traditional Christmas Miscellany service, led by our church acting secretary Maurice Large. A collection of readings, poems, original work, music and song from members of the congregation on the themes of winter, Yule and Christmas, followed by mince pies.

A very well-attended service led to an excellent collection of toys, which were donated to Barnardo’s, who will give them to families in need who they are working with in Newcastle. David and Hazel discussed the importance of gifts at this time of year.