Villagers gather for Christmas

MORE than 130 people from Bix and Assendon squeezed into the ancient barn of Gary Hall’s Bix Manor on Saturday for the traditional pre-Christmas celebration of community togetherness and the arrival of the festive season, writes Alfie Hay.

This has been a feature of local life for more than 40 years.

Reminded by Alfie Hay of St Francis of Assisi’s historical importance in the initiation of the re-enactment of the first Christmas, children from the villages represented the characters of the story while readings gave everyone a chance to reflect upon each contribution.

The singing of the carols, accompanied by Lisa Silver, was spirited and joyous.

The evening was rounded off by mulled wine and mince pies supplied by Penny Gilbert. A collection for Ravi’s Dream, in aid of research into brain tumours in children, raised more than £300.