Shiny brass instruments resounded and words of carols soared, as villagers, children from the school, their parents and grandparents congregated for the annual Carols around the Christmas Tree. Joining in with gusto with their favourites, this impromptu choir showed why, once again, this event remains a very popular village festive celebration.

On a dry, reasonably mild, December evening, over 50 people gathered around the tree, next to the bridge by the beck, the ambience enhanced by the twinkly decorated tree and illuminated trees which reflected in the water of the beck. (The lights had been kindly installed and provided by the Parish Council.)

The highlight of the evening, no doubt, was the seven piece brass band who simply provided the marzipan and icing for the top of the cake. A huge thank you to them for their support. And everyone, children and adults alike, kept pace with them as they played faster and faster for the final choruses of “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish you a Merry Christmas”.

Carols Sheets (and children) were provided by the school, so no-one had any excuse for not raising their voice in song.

The brass band was the Richmond Fine Arts Brass, ‘off duty’ soldiers from Catterick who normally play with the army band. One of the players is the uncle of a pupil at the school and he brought as many players and instruments, plus his Dad, (not an army musician, but a very keen amateur) as could fit in the family campervan. Fantastic. Just what a family Christmas in a rural north Yorkshire village is all about.

Looking around at all the decorated houses, villagers really do seem to have pulled out the stops this year, everywhere was very merry and bright so why not walk off Christmas dinner by taking a stroll around the village and admiring all the decorations. It would be well worth it.

If anyone has any great photos of this event please send them to [email protected] so that they can be included in our picture gallery