Hambledon admirably demonstrated its community spirit with a range of seasonal events in the build-up to Christmas 2022.

It also bade a sad but fond farewell to Martin Thompson, who completed his final day at the village shop on Christmas Eve. His knowledge, experience, commitment and friendship has been invaluable and he and Karen Barbato will be greatly missed.

Festivities began with Carols at The Merry Harriers on December 15th, where regular customers, families and friends were joined by members of the congregation of St Peter’s Church for rousing renditions of festive favourites. Associate vicar Simon Willetts featured on keyboard with Lisa Olsworth-Peter leading the singing.

The pub was packed and customer generosity resulted in £380.50 being raised for the village Ukraine appeal.

Next on the calendar was the Christmas dance, making a welcome return at the Village Hall after Covid restrictions. Local covers band The Likeness performed a wide selection of favourites. There was a licensed bar and tables overflowed with “grazing” food to keep up the energy levels for dancing, which went on with enthusiasm until midnight.

The following evening the St Peter’s Church Carols Service took place, led by Simon Willetts. The well-attended service included the traditional Christmas bible readings read by representatives of various village organisations and others. Mince pies and refreshments were served in the church rooms afterwards.

On December 20^th, the focus was on The Merry Harriers once again. A Christmas-themed quiz evening had the pub packed out. Andy Hinde set the devilish verbal questions and Jon Petersen put together the music rounds, which resulted in raucous singing and great merriment.

The bar team worked hard to keep the drinks flowing and the kitchen provided curries for those who wanted them. The winning team members included Alison and Tony Scott-Bishop, Liz Scannell, Robin McKeith and Anne-Charlotte (AC) Buffet and Bob Methold.

For the two Harriers events, and for all of the busy Christmas pub period, thanks go to Martine, the general manager, Nick and his team, Debs, Mikey and Ben, in the kitchen, Louise at front-of-house and her bar staff of Layla, Scarlett, Richard, Alex and Mia. December also saw popular and long-serving Millie leave for pastures new and she was given an affectionate send-off by locals.

Millie is pictured below left with bar staff colleague Scarlett as both take a swift break from serving during the busy December period.

On Christmas Eve more than 250 people gathered outside the community village store to sing carols and other Christmas favourites. This was led by the shop choir with Jo Kirkland behind the microphone and accompanied by a talented group of musicians including David Kirby on keyboards.

Always a well-supported occasion, this event was much missed during the pandemic lock-downs, and its return after a two-year gap saw people attending from Hambledon and further afield, such is the popularity and reputation of the shop.

The departing Martin Thomson, who has moved with Karen to live in East Wittering, West Sussex, was presented with leaving gifts, serenaded by the choir, and he then joined in some dancing after first making a speech in which he spoke movingly of their time in the village. They have both given so much in terms of loyalty, hard work and friendship and it will be difficult to imagine the shop without Martin. Hambledon sends love and best wishes to both of them. Martin is photographed below, with the shop choir. And follow the Facebook link on this website for more photographs and video of the occasion.

Finally, that night St Peter’s Church held its Midnight Communion service, taking the village congregation through prayer, carols and contemplation, into Christmas Day, with a Christmas Family service to follow at 10am. Thank you to all those involved in the church services, where the real meaning of Christmas was reflected upon.