Christmas events at Shap 2006

Shap has been a busy place over the past couple of weeks with a wide variety of events being organised for all ages.

The Christmas celebrations began with a service round the tree in St. Michaels for the ‘buggy brigade’, when toddlers with their mums gathered in the morning chapel for an informal session and refreshments. An activity day was held in the Memorial Hall when 42 children enjoyed a craft session making all manner of Christmassy things.
On the Sunday before Christmas Eve, Keld Chapel was packed for the traditional candlelit carol service, the ancient building was adorned with festive decorations, and a retiring collection will be forwarded to the National Trust who has the care of the chapel. Worship was led by Revd Carole Marsden and readers were Katie Hale, Sylvia Hodgson, Sam Marsden and Ron Taylor. Following the service worshippers were invited to partake of refreshments at the home of Denis and Val Hale.

A village candlelit carol service was held in St Michaels on the Tuesday evening before Christmas, when there was participation by all denominations. Prayers were led by Rev Michael Holland, and the readers were John Bayliffe, Pauline Harron, Sylvia Hodgson, Carole Marsden, Sheila Parsons, Ron Taylor and Maureen Wilde. The organist was Janet Wood.
The following evening Revd Carole Marsden led the ever popular ‘Carols with Carole’ at the Greyhound Hotel.

On Christmas Eve the Crib service was packed with over 80 adults and more than 40 children many of whom took part in the impromptu Christmas play ‘The story of the Innkeeper’s sleepless night’ - with the audience participating by shouting ‘round the back!’ During the service the nativity tableau was blessed, and the organist for this event was Jackie Wright. There was a good attendance for the midnight celebration of the Eucharist, when in addition to regular worshippers; a number of guests from Shap Wells Hotel joined the congregation.
On New Years Eve, the morning service took the form of an anthology with well loved carols being interspersed with seasonal readings by Jean Scott-Smith, Carole Marsden, Sam Marsden, Sylvia Hodgson, Elaine Allinson, Doreen Lee, Elsie Davidson, and Jean Jackson. The service provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year and anticipate the new one