Babergh's Advent Civic Service

Lavenham Church (completed 1525) at night

I am not sure if  Babergh DC used to hold a Civic Service in the past, but since I have been a member of the council there hasn't been one.

This custom was broken on Thursday evening when our current Chairman, Nick Ridley, decided to hold an Advent Civic Service in Lavenham Church.  Nick's family has a long connection with Lavenham, and indeed he was married in the church many years ago.

Lavenham Church is, of course, one of the most spectacular of Suffolk's many outstanding churches, built in a perfect late perpendicular style by the wealthy wool merchants of the town in the early sixteenth century.  Apparently its impressive tower, which is visible from the bottom of our garden some three miles distant,  is one of the tallest parish church towers in England.

A good number of dignitaries were present, including the Chairman of the County Council, Guy Mcgregor with his wife, Chairmen of other Suffolk District Councils,  and also the Mayor of Sudbury, Adrian Osborne and the Mayoress, Mrs Jan Osborne.  Children from Lavenham School read two winter poems, Emma Bishton sang a Mozart aria, and there was also plenty of singing from the congregation.  After the service mulled wine and mince pies were served.

It was a lovely occasion in a fantastic setting, and I hope that the next Chairman will repeat the event in 2014.