Waterways Chaplaincy and the Stroudwater team of Churches are inviting everyone to the unique canal-side Christmas service on 13 December, 6pm at Saul Junction on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
This annual tradition has been growing in popularity since it first began in 2018. The event is a joint venture between the Stroudwater Team and the Waterways Chaplaincy, led by Reader Charles Garven, Waterways Chaplain for South Wales and West.
“If memory serves, our first canal-side Christmas service in 2018 attracted about 35 people. They were mostly local church folk who just came along to support me,” Charles said. “Accurately counting heads in the dark is difficult, but last year I printed 120 carol sheets and we ran out. My guestimate is a crowd of around 150 people.
“For the first time, we not only covered our costs but had a surplus to pass on to a local charity. We also ran out of mulled wine and mince pies.
Charles is immensely grateful for the help he gets. He said, “Some of the Stroudwater ladies have been making mince pies and serving them in the cold for seven years. God bless them.”
The service combines Christmas carols with music from the Frampton Silver Band, set against the backdrop of the canal.
As well as being able to arrive by car, with parking provided, guests can also arrive by boat, with moorings ready and waiting.
“I am always amazed at the distances people travel just to come to the carol service. In the early years I was surprised to meet people who came from Cam and Stonehouse. More recently, visitors have travelled from Birmingham, Stratford on Avon and in one instance Scotland, planning their visit to see friends to coincide with the carol service,” Charles said.
Mulled wine and mince pies will be served to keep everyone warm, and visitors are encouraged to bring a torch to enjoy the waterside setting safely.
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