THE first Sunday of the month has, for many years, been a family service welcoming people of all ages.

Being a small community, the size of congregations has rather depended on the number of young families in the community, but regular attendees have sometimes been in their eighties.

The first Sunday in February was no exception, it was Candlemas and each member of the congregation was given a lighted candle.

The family McEwan decided to liven things up when it came to reading the lesson turning it into a drama.

Simeon, played by Gavin, his son Cameron playing Joseph holding baby Jesus and daughter Isla “on stage” as Mary. Mum, Eleanor, was the narrator bringing the whole story to life.

The family service is lay-led with a talk, sometimes by the leader and on other occasions by a visitor.

Ros Plested, chairman of the village hall and town councillor, took on the task in an informal way. She fired off a few searching questions at those present during her talk which produced interesting anecdotes.

St Michaels is a relatively small community but with its “mini cathedral” church and lively village hall is well established in providing many successful events throughout the year.

The church dominates the village and had strong links with the former St Michael’s College international school.

St Michael’s played an important part in the revival of church music in this country and for many years formed part of a choir school founded by Frederick Ouseley.

The tradition continues with visiting choirs, a famous Father Willis organ much recorded by the BBC, and musical concerts. The building is a mini cathedral with amazing stained glass.

Last year one of the windows underwent a major repair.