Carols on the beach

Tonight I went along to the Carol Service on Cullercoats beach, just around the corner. I joined a crowd of about 40, all of us dressed warmly for the icy but beautiful weather. We gathered in and around the Lifeboat Station, standing on the beach in the dark with the white of the breaking waves behind us, while the Salvation Army band played the all time favourites - 'Oh Come all Ye Faithful', 'Silent Night', and we sang heartily along. After that it was upstairs into the warmth for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. The Lifeboat men are all volunteers, many following family tradition over several generations. There was a terrific sense of community. When you visit why not pop in to their little shop on the beach for a souvenir of your stay. And remember to say hi! to Anne, our neighbour who helps out there.