Lantern Walk With Carols.

On 11th December we were blessed with a lovely dry, if somewhat chilly evening for our annual Holton Lee / EHDC lantern walk with Christmas carols. Organising an outdoor event at this time of year it pays to not consider the weather, just pray it will be okay on the day!!

It was lovely to see such a wonderful turnout of supporters of Holton Lee and the driving group. We were lucky to obtain the services of Colin on his keyboard for musical accompaniment and he did an excellent job moving his keyboard three times on our walk down to the stables and back!

Starting at Faith House we sang two carols after an introductory prayer and welcome messages by Bridget Green and Holton Lee's new director, Theresa Veith, with Wally Pitt on behalf of the East Holton Driving Centre. We followed the winding pathway, lit most effectively by candles in jars on either side, down to stop outside the art studios for another carol before proceeding to our humble stable yard where it seemed hard not to think what Christmas is all about - a celebration of the birth of Jesus, born in a humble stable more than 2000 years ago.

Here we gathered round patio heaters for a bit of warmth loaned by A1 Hire in front of a simple crib scene for a few more carols before returning to Faith House for a last rousing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

Children were entertained to a little treasure hunt and various activities back in the warmth of Faith House by Angela and her family.

Warm mulled wine and mince pies generously donated by Sainsburys' Pitwines store were enjoyed by all as we gathered in Faith House to socialise and collect raffle prizes drawn by Theresa. Among the prizes was a luxury organic hamper generously donated by Goldys Farm Shop at Lytchett Minster, a family carriage drive, a bottle of wine from Majestic wines in Poole.

A fine Christmas tree outside the Farmhouse was generously donated by the Cooper family at Mannington Heath Farm was decorated with handsome blue tree lights donated by B & Q at Fleetsbridge.

Our thanks go out to all those who helped with this lovely event in our calender.