A CONGREGATION battled through gales, torrential rain and deep mud in the dark to reach Ashbury Church on Sunday, November 3, for the annual All Saints Day candlelit service. 

As there is no power at this remote spot, candles are a necessity rather than a gimmick 

Despite the bad weather, the church was full, and the 200-plus candles that provided the illumination also kept the atmosphere warm and snug.

Regular worship at Ashbury ceased in the 1980s and since then the building has been maintained in the private ownership of the Woolcombe family and is open at all times for walkers to visit.

This service in November and another in June is arranged each year by the Anglicans and the Methodists of Northlew, but attracts people from as far away as Plymouth, Exeter and even London.

The service was led by Anglican reader Sandra Collier, with Methodist Minister Nigel Coke-Woods preaching the sermon.  Accompaniment to the hymns was provided by Morwenna Millership on violin and Derek Chivers on the American organ.

The service concluded with hot drinks and, in spite of the storm, all small fireworks display.

Floodlighting outside and spectacular candle displays inside were provided by Trixie and Vivian Hannaford and Les Friend. 

The collection of £119.70 was in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance.