What a success! Over thirty Fernham residents and Rev’d Norma Fergusson and husband, Richard, came along to serenade the residents of Elmside with traditional carols and to see the new solar Christmas lights on Elmside. Through a combined effort of Gerrard Jonas, Peter Nunn, and Neil sutherland, the new solar lights were placed high into the trees on Elmside; a particular challenge was the tree that was planted to commemorate 50 years since the end of WW2 in 1995 has now grown huge! ‘Lights look good’ was the general feeling.

Sheltered under a gazebo against the light rain, and lit by globe lights, the Fernham group sang many old favourites – Away in a Manger, O Little Town of Bethlehem and so on.  Tom Arnold of Chapel Lane, provided accompaniment using his accordion. Hot sausage rolls and mince pies were kindly provided by Gerrard Jonas and FVT provided the mulled wine, all of which all helped to keep spirits up and throats well lubricated. A collection was held and a magnificent £111.75 was raised to be shared equally by Helen and Douglas House Children’s Hospice, Oxford, and The Police Dependants Fund. Thank you to Bill Egginton for the photos and particular thanks all villagers who turned out to sing on a less-than-lovely evening and to everyone for their generosity.