Christchurch was packed for the annual Christmas Eve Carol Service which as well as carols included readings, the highlight of which was Jonathan Smith’s superb reading from Dylan Thomas’ ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’. The Flying Shepherds sang some more unusual carols whilst the traditional ones were lustily sung by the whole congregation. Also traditional was the exodus from the church to the Carpenters Arms to get the Christmas spirit flowing (before going home to peel the sprouts!)