You Are Loved
The Revd Keith Brindle was right when he said that on the evening of Wednesday 8th December, the Little Green in Devizes was the place to be!
Over 450 people agreed with him that outdoor carols, mince pies and mulled wine was just what was needed. There was a Mike Garbutt lorry festooned with sparkly lights to set the scene. It was cold but dry for which the tech team was grateful and Fantasy Radio donated PA equipment and recorded the event to be broadcast on Christmas day. The Mayor welcomed everyone and a large mixed band from St James’ Church accompanied the carols. Peter Kent, guitar, said:
“It was tricky playing with cold fingers, but I was pleased that with all the lights we couldn’t see how many people there really were, so we didn’t get too nervous.”
The atmosphere was welcoming and fun and a lot of favourite carols were sung to some modern arrangements. Three of the local schools put together a super choir with over a hundred children, who sang the Calypso Carol and Go Tell It On The Mountain. The choir mistress, Lucy Wain, was delighted with their performance. The band said they were definitely outshone by them and Maureen Tuttle said, “It was great to hear the children singing, especially when they saw their family members watching. It was lovely to see so many attend and join in the service.” The Rev Keith spoke about how we are made to love and be loved by God and that this is the true Christmas message. There was a moment of reflection to remember those we have lost and some of the more difficult times but the evening ended with a spectacular grid of fire spelling out ‘You Are Loved’.
Revd Keith was particularly pleased that the event had been organised with so much help from the local community. Not just the lorry for the band and Fantasy Radio, but Devizes Town Council especially the ground staff, Grist Environmental, Gaiger Bros, Roses the Ironmongers, and Devizes School six formers who helped set up, put away and who sold the mince pies and mulled wine. The money raised from the sale of food, over £400, went to the Mayor’s two charities, Alzheimer’s Support and Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living.
In fact, the whole event went so well that the team are already booked for next year, the first Wednesday of December 2022! (7th December 2022) That’s a date!
Keep up to date with St James, Devizes by visiting their website.
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