The stable seen after mass as certain re-arrangements were being made with some of the figures - the sheep have already gone!
Our celebrants today were Fr.Norman Price and Canon Paul Denby, who also preached for us.
The Benedictus.
The elevation.
A rather dark view of our visiting organist today, Christopher Cromar.
And finally, a splendid shot of Mr.Laurie Clapham who was all dressed up as he was being taken out to celebrate his recent 80th birthday.
On a very icy Monday evening over 40 people turned out for our Carol Service which began with Rebecca Denby singing the first verse of 'Once in Royal David's City'. Here Father Croft leads with the Bidding Prayer, followed by six lessons and carols. 
Fr.Norman Price gave the blessing, assisted by his son Matthew who had read the first lesson from Isaiah.
After the service, the congregation enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies.
Fr.Croft warns the congregation of their last sprinkling during the Asperges.
Fr.Norman Price as celebrant sprinkling the congregation.
The Gospel. A rather reduced congregation because of the weather.
The Sursum Corda.
The Sanctus and Benedictus.
The Invitation to Communion. Canon Paul Denby concelebrated this morning.
The Angelus. The Advent Ring can be seen beside the statue of Our Lady.
While we were in church even more snow fell.
Monday evening is our Carol Service at 7.00 p.m. Hope the weather improves!
Canon Paul Denby, as celebrant, at the start of the Asperges ready with the water for the sprinkling of the flock.
Fr.Norman was deacon, with Chris Lawton as sub-deacon.
Fr.Croft and Canon Peter McEvitt concelebrated with Canon Denby.
The elevation.
The invitation to Communion.
After Mass, Fr.Croft was again drawing out the raffle tickets for the Grand Draw.
Excitement at the start came with the failing of some of the lights on several occasions and Andy having to re-set the trip switch.
And with the lights back on...... Pat is hard at it over the cooker, with spectators!
Margaret, as usual, was in charge of collecting the money! 
In the front room the lighting was meant to be subdued.
Fr.Norman and Matt found that the stairs were an extra place to sit!
In the dining room some were still eating although Father wanted to start the raffle.
Matt helping Father with the raffle. The evening was enjoyed by all and raised over £300.
This evening the Fellowship were treated to a wonderful Christmas Party. Phyllis excelled herself by putting on a full meal for 23 people in our refurbished Community Room. We started with cream of leek soup, followed by a choice of home made steak pie or coq au vin, with lots of vegetables, and bottles of wine. There were four desserts on offer - trifle, creme caramel, apple pie and rice pudding, followed by cheese and biscuits, coffee and mince pies.
After the meal everyone had a prize in a free draw.
And while some of us helped with the washing up, James played for some early carol singing.
At the start of Mass, Fr.Peter McEvitt as celebrant prepares to begin with the Asperges. 
Fr.Peter goes among the congregation sprinkling.
The other side of the congregation gets sprinkled on the way back.
Matthew Dennen accepts the collection at the offertory.
Thurifer Chris Price censes Fr.Croft.
Fr.Mark Brackley concelebrated with Fr.Peter.
At the end of the mass, Fr.Norman Price as organist, played a piece of Bach, accompanied by his wife Jane on violin.
The Red Hall, Ramsbottom was the venue again for our Christmas Meal.
Over 60 of us had a very enjoyable meal.
The Red Hall has been completely renovated since our last visit two years ago.
After the meal we had an impromptu game of 'stand up bingo' which was won by Roy from Swinton.
And finally, Fr.Croft thanked everyone for coming and making it a success once again.
