For the first time since he left Hythe as Vicar in early 2001, Canon Norman Woods came back to Hythe to Celebrate Christmas Day Sung Communion; his first here in 21 years.
Photo cover to this video (which is audio only) shews the Celebration, at what was a very precarious time for the church here. The Parish had suddenly been plunged into Interregnum during COVID-lockdown. All the pews had been removed ultra-vires by edict of the Diocese (who still try to pin the blame on the parish, even though plainly they were just following orders) and a Nave 'altar' never introduced to the church lawfully (and the lawlessness concealed until exposed in a case to the Commissary Court, appealed to the Arches Court) was being used constantly.
COVID-distancing was the disingenuous reason given for both the pew removal and Nave 'altar'.
But amidst the gloom then, at least that Christmas Day was made a little brighter by the return of - as he was nicknamed in the 1980's - 'Storming Norman', complete as ever with charisma and infectious enthusiasm to rouse God's people! He also had a wonderful time staying in Hythe with his family at the residence of an old parishioner over Christmastide!
Now he is gone from this earthly life, but his final Christmas Day service as Celebrant at his belovéd Hythe Parish Church, of which he was Vicar a quarter-century, is immortalised herewith!
As shewn in the cover photograph, the boys & men & adult mixed choirs sang the service, jointly.