As the planning needs to happen rather a long time before the actual events (I know, all is relative, but a months and a half in Covid times is a long time) we decided to come up with plans we were most likely to be able to execute without last minute changes. As a lot of people had enjoyed the outdoor carols in the Village Hall car park with the crib in the Village Hall porch we decided to have another service there, rather than the candle light services indoors. Especially in Shotley, if the weather were to bad (but so far the forecast is ok) people can sit in their cars and enjoy a "Drive through" service. That means for this year no indoor carols, but it is not intended to ditch the candle lit services for eternity! We'll have to take it one year at a time.

Hope this explains why we do what we do. Sort of changing the subject, I would like to ask a favour. Can you use the attached for something for Erwarton. The Christmas Eve Service is unlikely to have carols (please ignore what someone has put in In Touch!) but there will be a truly atmospheric Christmas Eve service with music and readings in St Mary's Erwarton. The attached leaflet has gone out with the Christmas cards in Erwarton inviting people to come and help decorate the church and have a coffee and a mince pie. A straight forward informal gathering to enjoy for those who would like to come.