Celebrating Christmas across the Axe Vale Mission

The Minster in Axminster, and other places of worship which make up the Axe Vale Mission Community, are opening their doors for a programme of events to celebrate the great Christian festival.

Last week The Minster Church hosted an impressive Christmas tree festival attending by hundreds of visitors and other festive events will be held in village churches around the area including Christingle service for the children and carols.

More than 20 local groups, businesses and charities supported the festival by decorating their own Christmas tree. A couple of trees were dedicated to messages which were written by loved ones.

A focal point was a tree 20 feet high provided by Higher Jackeigh Farm for the central area infront of the Altar.

Among those supporting the initiative were: Axminster Care Service, Axminster Bell Ringers, J.F. Clarke and Son, Axminster Hospital League of Friends, Climax Windows, Mothers Union, Axminster Cub Group, Axminster River Women's Institute, Silverleigh Care Home, Hospiscare, W.G. Potter, Axe Valley Academy, Axminster Printing Company, Pippins Community Centre, Castle Garage, Axminster Town Council, Flamingo Pool, Stamford House, Archway Bookshop, Royal British Legion, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Melanie Brown, Symonds and Samson.

The festival will run until Christmas Eve and a 'Joy To The World' Christmas Tree festival will be held at Axmouth Parish Church until December 22.

Midnight Mass services will be held at The Minster, Axminster, Uplyme and Chardstock on Christmas Eve with Christmas Day communion services across the Mission.

A Christmas coffee morning and 'Meet Santa' event was held at The Minster on Saturday and on Sunday a car park carol service was held at Tesco.

Carol services are being held next Sunday at The Minster, Axmouth, Combpyne, Chardstock, Uplyme and Membury,

A crib service will be held at The Minster at 5 pm on Christmas Eve