MORE than 430 people attended the annual Torchlight Carol Service at Tintern Abbey on 2nd December organised by Chepstow Rotary Club. 

After lighting their flaming torches and illuminating their light sticks, the assembly, led by the Reverend  Andrew Webster of Chepstow Methodist Church, slowly marched off, up the road at 6pm. 

Once inside the abbey grounds the column filed down the outside of the south wall on this cool evening  to the voices of the Wyedean School Choir that rose from within those ancient ruins. 

Then, as people entered the main abbey building in an unfamiliar direction through the east door, one heard the gasps of the children as they saw those ancient walls illuminated from within and the view of the choir assembled on the dais at the far end. 

Rotary President David Burr thanked everyone for coming to the event and made an appeal for donations to Rotary charities that support causes in our own community and beyond. 

He wished everyone a very happy Christmas.  The service was closed by Reverend Webster.

The event raised over £3,200 and after all expenses were paid, including programme printing, the flambes, light sticks and St John’s Ambulance, the club was able to add over £2,300 to its charity fund. 

In 2018 the Rotary Torchlight Carol Service will be held once again on the first Saturday in December, that is 2nd December, beginning at 6pm, visit  www.chepstowrotary for details.