Sidley celebrates Christmas

The rear garden of the Rose and Crown pub was the setting for the second part of Sidley Special, a community Christmas initiative which had began with stalls in All Saints' Church Hall - a joint shops and traders venture under the slogan "Make a day of it in the village."

The initiative was the idea of Philip Hall.

Philip, who runs Village Cleaners and is a churchgoer at All Saints', wanted to build on the success of last year's outdoor carol service at the Rose and Crown. He was delighted that numbers had nearly doubled and already has plans for next Christmas.

Sure Start, Cuddle Bunnies and Bexhill Labour Party were among those taking part in last Wednesday's fair, which raised 62 for the church.

For the Labour Party, Philipa Coughlan was collecting signatures at the event for the party's road safety campaign to cut speeding through Sidley.

As temperature hovered just above freezing, the Vicar, Father Trevor Buxton, later welcomed those attending the service in the Rose and Crown garden.

The Rev Peter Henchy was seated at the electronic organ. The All Saints' Choir were close at hand to lead some lusty singing of a selection of favourite carols.

Taking part in the service were the Rev Dave Bishop, Pastor of Sidley Baptist Church and Father Chris Spain of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.

With a selection of torches available to light the carol sheets, those taking part soon forgot their freezing fingers as they joined in Sidley's joyful celebration.

The first lesson was read by Deputy Town Mayor and Sidley Rother member Cllr Keith Bridger, a member of All Saints' Choir.

A later lesson was read by Rose and Crown host Charlie Newman. The pub supports the Agape Trust which aids the disabled and the collection was in aid of the trust.