The Greatest Gift

The splendid performance of “The Greatest Gift” (see the Nativity in a new light) has gained much praise. The Friday show (03/01/25) - and the the Sunday show (05/01/25) in particular - had splendid momentum. There have been compliments from many; e.g.:-

• " The atmosphere as we arrived was so welcoming & joyous, and it ascended from then on!" 

• "The play shone a new light on the Nativity story. Thank you." 

• "We so enjoyed this production in every respect; we all happily joined in."

Also, there is a very good write-up & photos in the Winchester Diocese Newsletter (on-line: 9th Jan.); and we had enthusiastic support from Rev. Luke & Rev. Vicky, representing Avon Valley Churches.

You can see a video of the performance here . See also the excellent write up on the Diocese of Winchester website.

St Giles Shortest Day Service

“The Census at Bethlehem” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder

How wonderful it is to have St Giles Hermitage, Godshill, in our Parish! On the shortest day, or the day with the longest night, we gathered there for a very special service, and it was well attended. 

Acknowledging the painful things in this troubled world, Rev Canon Helen Griffiss led it. She had created a montage, showing a scene of destruction, representing Gaza and other places where war and conflict have taken a terrible toll. We sang O little Town of Bethlehem with new relevant words.  

Everyone was given an unlit candlelight, representing a feeling of 'longing for light in darkness', which we were invited to put on a table at the base of a large lit candle. We sang Away in a Manger.

Helen based her talk on the C16th painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder “The Census at Bethlehem” in which we could see many people in a Flemish town very busy with their own jobs and chores, worries and concerns, and no one noticing the arrival of Joseph and Mary on a donkey in the snow. Mary’s calm and serene face is the only one in the painting turned to the viewer.  She is bringing Hope into the world. 

After her talk we sang In the Bleak Mid-winter.  We were then invited to go to the table to turn on our candlelights during the singing of Silent Night, reminding us that we are celebrating Jesus, who came into the world to bring Hope, and a Peace that can only be found in Him.

Mulled wine and mince pies concluded the meaningful service.

St Giles is open every day. It is a quiet space and Christian ‘books to borrow’, Christian leaflets as well as New Forest leaflets are all available. There is a beautiful mural painted by a local artist and wall panels showing the local history of Godshill.

Julie Francis - our newly commissioned Anna Chaplain

Julie was commissioned as Anna Chaplain by Canon Michael Anderson on 6th October at Holy Ascension Hyde Church. She has written this rather lovely article which has now appeared on the Anna Chaplaincy blog, as linked below:

Anna Chaplaincy expands in Hampshire parishes on the edge of the New Forest

Read about what it means to be an Anna Chaplain, and as Julie writes: “… with two Anna Chaplains in our parish, who knows what God has in store for us going forward?!”

Jonathan Veira concert 7th October

Internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, author and humorous raconteur, Jonathan Veira, star of screen, stage, TV, churches and halls across the globe, from Guildford to Glyndebourne, from Lymington to La Scala, is bringing his entertaining one-man show to us to raise funds for our church, on 7th October.

Tickets (£10, including refreshments) from the Church Office, Melvyn Beynon (07711 469412) or other appointed ticket sellers at each of the AVC churches.

Tickets (£10, including refreshments) from the Church Office, Melvyn Beynon (07711 469412) or other appointed ticket sellers at each of the AVC churches.

Jonathan Veira - Who is he and what does he do?

Jonathan, as a singer and songwriter, has collaborated and performed with the likes of Richard Lennox, Pam Rhodes (Songs of Praise), Sue Rinaldi, Bryn Haworth and Paul Field to name but a few.

There are many videos online of Jonathan singing, including the following rendition of Bring Him Home at a recent concert:

For even more information about Jonathan, visit his website:

We hope to see you there!

Trevor holds Cross for 60 Years

Many congratulations to our dedicated Crucifer, Trevor Tague. Family, friends and congregation joined Trevor during last week’s service to help support and celebrate his 60 years of service as Crucifer at St Mary’s Church in Fordinbridge. What an amazing achievement - thank you Trevor!