The Christmas period was a very busy time at Ashley. In early December we held our Carol Concert which was led by the Somborne Singers and was very successful with the usual mixture of readings and carols which were heartily joined in by the packed audience. After the concert we all benefited from mulled wind and nibbles and everyone agreed that the concert provides a very happy introduction to the festive season. Frances Hurd from the Churches Conservation Trust came all the way from Fareham to give one of the readings and she must have enjoyed herself because she has already enquired about the proposed date of the 2009 concert! The service on Christmas Day was standing room only with a congregation of 87, the largest in living memory! It was lovely to see so many children as well as visiting relatives of local families and it was gratifying to welcome people who had taken the trouble to come up from Kings Somborne. Rob Stapleton gave a very appropriate sermon about the history and significance of the Christmas tree and afterwards we all partook of Bucks Fizz and refreshments. The Ashley Christmas Day service is the last Christmas service in the Parish of Kings Somborne and it seems to round everything off in a very appropriate manner so thank you to everybody who made it such a happy event. We look forward to meeting you at the next service on Sunday 5th April at 3.30 p.m. and we always welcome anyone who would like to become a member of the Friends of Ashley St. Mary. Terry & Nola Mackintosh (Hon. Secs. Friends) | 
