Northiam

There was an enthusiastic turnout for the lighting of the village Christmas tree last Tuesday followed by carol singing and a convivial glass of mulled wine and excellent nibbles.

And on Saturday, the Conservation Society held another successful live opera event. This time the venue was the beautiful setting of the music room at Brickwall. Soprano, Thomasin Tresize, performed once again, joined by tenor/baritone Paul Hopwood (who had stepped in at the last minute when tenor Jim Heath came down with pleurisy). The audience was treated to a programme which included Bizet, Dvorak, Mozart, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi. There was not a dry eye in the hall when Thomasin sang the beautiful moving aria “la Wally” and Paul gave an excellent rendition of Nessun Dorma. The night finished with carols (with the audience joining in for “the twelve days of Christmas”).

I have had a message from our lovely volunteers at Northiam Library, wishing all their supporters and users a Happy New Year. How fortunate we are to have them and this handy facility! Thank you to them and to everyone who keeps this village asset alive (Thursdays and Saturday 2-4pm next to the Parish Office, if you haven’t found it yet!)

The junior badminton clubs will be having one last session before Christmas this evening (Friday) at 5.30pm and 6.30pm, and Dance Club meets in the Village Hall.

The wayward sheep are out around the village, and if anyone would like to help locate them, there is a list in the Parish Magazine, or Sarah White (253118) can supply one. There are 22 sheep hiding in various places and I understand one has got as far as Beckley, and they need to be brought back to the fold in time for the Crib Service.

Carols by Candlelight will be held in St Mary’s Church on Sunday, beginning at 6.30pm, a traditional service of lesson, readings and carols, and then there will be our new popular tradition, the Crib Service, which is held on Christmas Eve at 4pm. This year, there will be the return of the lost sheep as well as candles, singing, stories and general ahh factor!