Carols, carols and more carols

Friday's rehearsal of our Community Choir was the last one before Christmas and also the last one before carol singing in Barnard Castle the following day. With mulled wine prepared and served by Gary our Director, singing was not a priority at that rehearsal.

Saturday's post brought with it a letter from DVLA in response to my application to renew my driving licence, which expires in February. Their return of post reply was atypical of government departmemts and it comtained the news dhat my licence had been revoked with effect from the previous day. So that's it. I will never drive again, apart from my trusty mobility scooter. Looking on the positive side, I have enjoyed 50 years of driving, on business and for pleasure, in this country and in France, Spain, Belgium, Denmark and Italy. I shall remember those times with gratitude as I am chauffered here and there by Kathy and the many friends who have offered to help.

It was on with the day's carol singimg in Barnard Castle. Tony Kennan was my first chauffeur and he arrived in the afternoon as a few flakes of snow settled on the ground. Those few flakes were the advance party for a major snow storm which was the signal to turn back towards home.

The snow lay like Good King Wenceslas' pizza, deep and crisp and even, on Sunday morning as  we walked down to church; I had a day off from Winston, so an easy day.  Home for a quick coffee before Peter and Anne-Marie picked us up to go to Newcastle's Sage concert hall.

We were at the Sage to listen to the 300 strong community choir, directed by our neighbour, Gary. They were accompanied by the Royal Northern Sinfonia and was a joyful start to Christmas. On our way home Peter and Anne-Marie introduced us to Bistro Italiano, a very authentic restaurant in Durham, another one to add to growing list of good eating places.

Tuesday was Christingle Day and the children from school delighted us with their singing, prayers and readings. The Christingles were lit and, because it was a dark morning, 'the light shone in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.'

And so to Saturday, the day of the Village Hall Christmas Party. Expecting around 50 people, to our surprise, 90 tickets were sold. The hall was packed, The Copycats, another of our local bands lead by friend Peter, were great. St Mary's Band led the singing carols and our hard working ladies prepared a meal for everyone. It was exhausting, but a wonderful village celebration.