A VERY special Christmas event will take place at All Saints Church in Okehampton this year, thanks to the hard work of one of the town?s residents. The Carols by Candlelight service will be illumuninated entirely by candles on December 18, after Gerald Read, a retired engineer, spent hours producing unique candle holders for the church. The Rev Stephen Cook, rector of Okehampton, said: ?We are very grateful to Gerald, who is a man of many parts . . . ?When we needed a new part for the boiler which could no longer be bought, he made one on his lathe. He has been working away in his shed, producing large numbers of candleholders, designed so they fit on the pews.? Mr Cook said last year?s candlight service was almost lit 100% by candles ? thanks to Gerald?s efforts, this year?s event would be held completely without the need for electric light. ?That?s no mean feat in a church the size of All Saints,? said Mr Cook. ?The choir is in good voice having had a number of new recruits this year and will be on good form for the service, which is one of the highlights of their year.? Carols by Candlelight will be held in All Saints Church, Okehampton on December 18 at 6.30pm. On Christmas Eve there will be a crib service at 5pm and midnight communion, held mainly by candlelight, at 11.30pm. Family communion will be held on Christmas Day at 10.30am.
