Happy New Year! Where did last year go? Looking back over the last year in my diary I am reminded of another wonderful year in Capel and Ockley. What a joy and honour it is to be called to serve both communities as your village priest! There have been several themes last year – one particularly popular in Capel was the celebration and occurrence of quite a few ‘big birthdays’ – mine included! What to do to celebrate? Look no further than The Crown who hosted the most marvellous ‘noughts’ party one very hot July afternoon for all those who wished to join in. It was a wonderful occasion!

The year has been full of ups and downs like any other I guess and the villages have lost several much loved longstanding residents. Their funerals and services of thanksgiving have given many a chance to pay their respects and support the bereaved. On a happier note we have had some beautiful weddings and baptisms. Such a joy to celebrate with our couples and families! Now that couples can be married by a celebrant at reception venues the number of weddings we conduct are fewer sadly.

Then there was the 80th Anniversary of D-Day with a range of memorable community events over that time. I particularly enjoyed the Rude Mechanical Theatre Company’s production of The Dressing Book. It was so different and highly entertaining despite the constant drone of aircraft!! Later on, we also had the excitement of the Capel Military Show which attracts many to our village and the wonderful Capel Show. Everyone involved works so hard. Our communities have so much to offer and 2024 was another successful year for all those who volunteer, give up their time and talents to work hard for the rest of us. In this magazine there are listed so many different organisations and groups – something for everyone. It seems very fitting therefore that the year ended with the brilliant Christmas Capel Old Friends lunch. Such a wonderful occasion and quite how you produce such a delicious meal for over 100 people I don’t know. But Emma and her team do so magnificently with so many delightful little touches for everyone. So a very big THANK YOU to everyone who have given us such a wonderful year of events.

Our Church Christmas trees have generally withstood the storm and once again brought the community together to bring in the festive season. Christmas can be a very difficult time for so many despite the jollity and I hope that we all may have been able to reach out to those alone or who find the festivities just too much. As we begin another new year remember who it is that is hidden underneath the surface, the glitter, the decorations and too much turkey.

As we travel through the season of Epiphany celebrating that God was revealed in Jesus, as a model for us today. That baby born in a stable grew up to befriend poor and marginalised people, to value women, to heal outsiders and followers of other faiths. Jesus, angry at the rigid rules of the establishment, invites us to call God our Father, promising to be with us always, then dying for us, and rising again. I pray that 2025 will bring you joy and peace as we travel onwards, knowing that like the Magi, who followed the star, who travelled a long way in search of answers, they unexpectedly stumbled across the Saviour of the world born in a humble stable.

With my love and prayers as ever
Revd Liz

Revd.Liz Richardson
liz@hostmyserver.co.uk