The Spirit of Christmas, 2020
In this year of unprecedented change, we badly need good news, and our parishes and schools have made every effort to deliver special, heartfelt messages to their communities and loved ones, as well as those in need.
The WI Nativity
Necessity has driven innovation, and teamwork can yield unexpected results.
Following the new guidelines on carol singing, the village of Sixpenny Handley pulled out all the stops to hold Village Carols on Friday 11th December.
Canon Richard Hancock led a multi-organisational effort which included the Parish Council, 1st Woodcutts Scouts, the village sports pavilion, Myncen Farm, the Handley Covid Support Team, and St Mary’s Church.
Myncen Farm laid on a traction engine which came through the village driven by Father Christmas, stopping at the village sports pavilion, the Penny Tap.
Villagers stood socially-distanced on the cricket ground while Canon Richard Hancock, Kate Hancock (known locally as 'Mrs Vicarage') and Alex Hancock led the singing, and Ben Hancock operated the sound system supplied by 1st Woodcutt Scouts.
The Handley Covid Support Team provided stewards to manage Track & Trace and ensure everyone was safe. A collection for the Community CIO*, a local village charity and the Children’s Society raised £300.
Richard says:
"Along with this, the ladies of Handley WI have made a full-size Christmas Nativity in St Mary’s Church so that the community can come for personal prayer and reflection and soak up some of the much needed Christmas Spirit."
One villager said “Thank you so much, you have really brought Christmas to Handley!”
*A Charitable Incorporated Organisation is a charity regulated by the Charity Commission, unlike most charities, which are set up as charitable companies regulated by the Charity Commission and Companies House.
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