Don’t forget to check our Events Diary for more information on events in all our villages and surrounding area.

Hollowell Steam Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch

On Sunday, 7th December, approximately 50 senior citizens from Hollowell and Teeton gathered once again for a fabulous afternoon of entertainment and food, hosted by the Hollowell Steam and Heavy Horse Show.

This cherished tradition is rooted in the origins of the Steam Rally, together with its long-standing support for the Church and the village of Hollowell.

The wine flowed, crackers were pulled, and musical entertainment was provided by the Daventry Ukelele band and singers. Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course Christmas dinner, thoughtfully served by the Rally team.

After lunch, while enjoying mince pies and tea or coffee, prizes and gifts were distributed.

The afternoon concluded with everyone joining in to sing carols and Christmas songs, including a hilarious rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas involving a pink flamingo in a palm tree.

Everyone enjoyed an amazing time and the villagers would like to express their thanks to Neil, Martine and all the Hollowell Steam Team, for raising spirits high and warming hearts.

C & P Charter

Village Hall Lotto Winners

Christmas Super Draw Winners:

Stuart Stockley £50, Rachel Garwood £30. Jan Winterburn £20

Tickets for the new format Village Hall Lotto expire after 6 months, so it is now time to purchase your numbers for the next 6 monthly cycle.  Please where possible purchase your tickets via Bank Transfer making payment to Hollowell Village Hall,  Sort code: 08-92-99 Acc: 65884371 and mark your payment  "LOTTO". Tickets are £10 each.  Alternatively you can pay cash to any Village Hall Trustee. 

Please email our Treasurer Simon Armstrong on simon@ultimatep.com if you have any questions. Your participation really does all help toward the upkeep and running of our lovely Village Hall. A big thank you for taking part.

HOLLOWELL HENS

Mid December saw the annual gathering of the Hollowell Hens for an evening constructing Christmas wreaths in the Village Hall.

Fir and holly had been gathered from the hedgerows and gardens scoured for greenery and festive berries.

The evening was organised by Chief Hen, Sarah Mourant and wine and nibbles fuelled the creative flow.

The group crafted a collection of lovely and varied wreaths, ready to adorn the doors of Hollowell and Teeton throughout the Christmas season.

Hollowell Christingle Service

It was lovely to see Hollowell Church full of carolling families on Christmas Eve. Kathleen Litchfield’s nephew, James Bonser expertly led us on the organ as we sang much-loved Christmas carols and the Rev Caroline ably guided us through the service, which included seasonal readings by Claire Morrell, Pauline Kirton, Gill Brown, Paul Charter and Caleb Charter.

The service incorporated

Christingle oranges, topped by candles, which were much enjoyed by children and adults alike, and we ended the service singing our final carol by candlelight. My favourite moment was watching one of the youngest members of the congregation breakdance during Away in a Manger. Clearly, the Holy Spirit was strong in Hollowell Church that festive night.

The home baked refreshments after the service were enjoyed by all and provided a welcome opportunity to share the anticipation and excitement of Christmas with friends old and new. Half of the Christmas collection will go to the Children’s Society, which works with children in the UK in all kinds of need.

A Family Christmas in the Village Hall

It seems like yesterday that five of us sat down to Christmas lunch. Over the years our numbers grew as people joined the family, but it was a bit of an eyeopener when I realised, I had to plan for 14 people to sit around the table made for ten.

After much head scratching I thought of the Village Hall. Those of you who know the Village Hall in Hollowell know it is the old school room; it’s small enough to be cosy and very pretty and well equipped.

When I told friends in the village they rallied behind the idea. Hugh and Paul, left up the fairy lights they had put up for Café Christmas, Ken and Charlie arrived with a Christmas tree and lovely Sue made three beautiful window displays from her garden.

It was a roaring success and won over the most sceptical family member. The six under sixes had room to play and explore whilst the adults could sit in a leisurely manner enjoying a lunch that had benefitted from the use of two ovens - fourteen people can eat a lot of roast potatoes!

So thank you Village Hall Committee. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful facility in the village, and you work very hard to make it a really attractive option.

P.S. I’ve already booked it for next Christmas Day but if you get in quickly Boxing Day is still available!

C Morrell

Café Christmas 2025

Last year’s Café Christmas event was a wonderful showcase of local talent and festive spirit.

From hand-thrown bowls and mugs to oil paintings of local vistas, wooden gnomes, bird boxes, and miniature Christmas cakes, there was a splendid array of locally crafted produce on sale. The café’s hot bacon, egg, and sausage rolls proved to be a particular triumph, complemented by delicious coffee and homemade cakes.

Jacob Oswin managed the Christmas tombola with great aplomb, adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and to all the jolly helpers working behind the scenes. Thanks to your support, the event raised over £500, which will go towards the maintenance of the Village Hall.

Well done to all involved!

October Draw:

Allan Ullah, Nick Mount, Claire Morrell, Hugh Mesquita, Stephanie Robbins, Rod Goldberg, Tony Robbins

November Draw:

Allan Ullah, Cheryl Charter. Stuart Gilbert, Norah Daykin, John Benjamin, Lisa Kinch

December Draw:

Stuart Litchfield, Phil Clarke, Emily Curtis, Andrew Captainino, Kevin Hill, Viv Benjamin, Linda Gilbert