Advent in Asby 2017
The beginning of Advent saw a busy weekend for St Peter’s Church, Great Asby.
The Christmas Fair, a tradition of many years’ standing, was held in St Peter’s Church ito raise funds for general expenses. Not only was there a variety of stalls, games, and delicious soup-and-roll meal-deal lunches to enjoy but also, what has become another annual tradition, window displays on a Christmas theme created by members of village organisations and local families. Those visiting the fair were invited to vote for the display they liked best.
The theme for 2017 was Christmas trees: eight imaginative displays were created, together with art work done by the children of Asby Endowed School, who had also made items for their window. Competition was very keen – the winning window design, won by just one point, was made by members of Asby Book Club; second place Asby Endowed School. These displays will stay in place until Epiphany/Twelfth Night.
The Advent-in-the-Barn service next day was an innovation for the church. Almost forty folk gathered in the barn at High Plains, Drybeck for a short Advent Sunday service on the theme of the ‘Light of the World’. This was led by the Rev Kristy Pattimore. Owners, Louise and Steve Reeve, had arranged for animals including cows, sheep and ponies to be in stalls nearby which meant the proceedings were accompanied periodically by gentle animal noises. Others taking leading parts in the service were Janice and Bethany Brown who read the lesson and Andrew and Adam Brown who acted out a short sketch.
Following the service mulled wine and refreshments were served while the visitors enjoyed the animals, the distant views, and what turned out to be a beautiful sunset.
£756 was raised at the fair, and £108 given in aid of Sarcoma UK at the service in the barn.