One of the main Christmas events in Pateley Bridge has been postponed because of covid concerns.
The annual Christingle Service, which has been held at the parish church of St Cuthbert for more than 30 years, has been put on hold until next year.
Organiser Joyce Liggins told the Stray Ferret:
“It’s disappointing, as we were all set for Christmas Eve, but we decided to postpone, because of the covid situation.
“We are now looking to re-schedule, possibly for the first week in February.
“It’s a shame, because many local people view the service as their start to the festive season and the church is usually packed.
“Over the years, the service has also raised funds for the Children’s Society and while we can’t go ahead on Christmas Eve, we hope that people will still support the society.”
Donations can be made through a newly set up JustGiving page.
Last year, with a covid lockdown in place, a virtual Christingle service from St Cuthbert’s was posted on Facebook and £750 was raised through donations.
Since 1968, Christingle services have been held across the UK to raise money for the Children’s Society charity, which helps vulnerable young people.
The Christingle tradition has, like the bringing of an evergreen tree into a house, its roots in Germany and dates back to the 18th century, when it was introduced by Moravian Bishop Johannes de Watteville.
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