FIFTEEN members of Staunton & District Rambling Club met at the home of the leaders of the December walk, David and Gill Redmond in Tirley.

The walk progressed from Ridlers End towards Tirley Hill and on to Great House Lane into Hasfield Parish with the route continuing past Hasfield Church to the lane, which leads to Hasfield Ham. It was interesting to note that the walk across the floodplain towards Haw Farm, back in Tirley Parish, would not have been possible to complete last year at the same period because of the severe flooding.

When the river was reached the group turned north along the bank past the Hawbridge and New Inn into Malthouse Lane. Crossing one of the many drainage dykes and the adjoining pasture a boundary crossing was reached where the stile had collapsed and the gap blocked by an insecure iron gate, this had to be moved for the group to pass before replacing it securely once more. The onward route followed Tirley Millennium Way to Chaceley Lane. Then climbing past Tump Farm back to the start of the their walk, where the traditional end of year tea was enjoyed.

Seasonal greetings were exchanged as worshippers arrived at Staunton Parish Church on Christmas morning for the family service and the church was aglow with Advent wreath and Christmas arrangements of holly and flowers and Christmas tree, whilst the crib portrayed the nativity scene. Canon John Evans welcomed the congregation, which included many families and gave the address and was the celebrant during the celebration of Holy Communion assisted by Ursula Groves-Smith. Margaret Riley accompanied the singing of the well loved carols. The sidesmen were Michael Bradbury and Stan Cotten.