For the second year running Hambledon, as elsewhere, is facing a disrupted Christmas as a result of Covid-related restrictions. Nevertheless, our little village will do its best, and there is no reason not to wish everyone a Happy Christmas on behalf of the village website team.

Sadly, as you may have read in the previous post, the Church has made the difficult decision to cancel the traditional Christmas Eve 11pm service at St Peter’s. Given the late hour, this service was to have taken place inside the church but this was considered unwise in the current situation.

Happily, the Christmas Eve Crib Service will go ahead at 4pm, as will the Christmas Day family service and Communion at 10am. Both will be held outside so wrap up warm and remember to wear your protective face mask.

Fortunately the Carol Service did go ahead last Sunday in the church yard and our photograph shows some of the hardy souls, of all ages, who gathered under the glow of the Chancel windows to share carols, readings and some mulled wine and mince pies.

The village pub, the Merry Harriers, will be monitoring the situation throughout the Festive period, adapting to any new rules that the Government may announce over the coming days.

As things stand, the pub will be open until 11pm on Christmas Eve and between 11am and 6pm on Christmas Day. Manager Mikey Coleman has said he will have fire pits blazing away in the back garden for those who prefer to be outside. Boxing Day hours are 12 noon to 8pm, and curry meals are on offer until 6pm, including vegetarian.

A band is booked to play on New Year’s Eve and it is intended it will perform from the dining area and with space for dancing, but this is under constant review and there is an option for the band to play outside, with additional lighting and more fire pits.

The Village Shop is open today until 3pm and tomorrow, Christmas Eve, it opens at 8.30am and closes at 2pm. Sadly the shop carols singing, scheduled for noon tomorrow, has been cancelled.

After Christmas its hours are: