AROUND 80 people attended this year’s carol service at the Dame School in Mangotsfield.
The outdoor service on December 12 included music from the Phoenix Wind Band and a choir from Ukraine singing traditional Christmas songs from Eastern Europe.
The event was organised by Mangotsfield Residents Association and St James Church, and led by MRS chair and community pastor Clive Heath, with St James vicar James Cannan.
Clive said: “Thanks to the Phoenix Wind Band and the lovely Ukraine choir for joining us, and to all who attended on such a cold night.”
Visitors were treated to some warm hot chocolate and the Nativity scene was lit thanks to the loan of caravan leisure batteries after the MRA was unable to use mains from neighbouring Panoramic Windows after it ceased trading.
The event ran alongside St James Church’s Christmas Tree Festival, which included a wide variety of trees decorated by local groups and featured a celebration day with breakfast with Santa, children’s crafts and musical entertainment.
Anyone who is interested in supporting the MRA can get in touch by email at MangotsfieldRA@gmail.com, via the Mangotsfield Matters Facebook page or phone Chris Amos on 07918 701881 or Clive Heath on 07507 168700.
Donations towards the group’s community work can be made at tinyurl.com/yswsf7d9.
