Eileen Monaghan RIP 1999
2026-11-28 00:00 (Europe/London)

Ellen Harriet Stratton RIP 1970
2026-11-28 00:00

James Coulter RIP 1993
2026-12-03 00:00

Franklin Rudolph RIP 2012
2026-12-03 00:00

Christingle Service
2026-12-05 15:30 - 17:00
Each year, in the days leading up to Christmas, the churches of Buckden come together at St Mary’s for a Christingle Service—a simple, joyful, and deeply symbolic celebration that brings the community together.
Organised by Buckden Churches Together, the service is especially welcoming to families and children, offering a gentle and engaging way to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.
🕯️ A service full of meaning
At the heart of the service is the Christingle itself—an orange decorated with a candle, ribbon, and sweets—each element carrying a meaning:

the orange represents the world
the candle the light of Christ
the red ribbon the love of God
the sweets and fruits the gifts of creation

During the service, Christingles are lit, gradually filling the church with a warm and beautiful glow—creating a moment that is both memorable and moving.
🎶 A celebration for all
The service typically includes:

well-known carols and music
a short, accessible reflection
the lighting of the Christingles
a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for all ages

It is designed to be inclusive and accessible, whether you are a regular churchgoer or simply looking for a meaningful way to prepare for Christmas.
🌟 An invitation
All are warmly invited to join this special gathering at St Mary’s.It is a chance to:

come together as a community
experience a moment of stillness and light
and share in a tradition that continues to bring people together year after year

✨ A moment of light
In the quiet glow of the Christingles, the message of Christmas is expressed in a simple and powerful way: light in the darkness, shared with all.

Dorothy Alice Gwendolyn Lockey RIP 2003
2026-12-07 00:00

Thomas O'Connor RIP 1993
2026-12-07 00:00

Fr Emilio Jose Rosendo CMF RIP 1994
2026-12-07 00:00

Fr Sidney Kieran Vaughan CMF RIP 2007
2026-12-08 00:00

Teresa Anne Wilson RIP 2024
2026-12-08 00:00

Mieczyslaw Kazimierz Caputa RIP 2005
2026-12-09 00:00

Thomas Joseph Maher RIP 1995
2026-12-09 00:00

Fr Christopher (Chris) Geoffrey Cutler CMF RIP 2007
2026-12-10 00:00

Simon Abele RIP 2020
2026-12-12 00:00

Flora Henderson RIP 2023
2026-12-12 00:00

Ailsa Eileen Summers RIP 1995
2026-12-14 00:00

Siobhan Grundy RIP 1990
2026-12-15 00:00

Mark Anthony Hutchinson RIP 2015
2026-12-15 00:00

Nora Kelly RIP 2019
2026-12-15 00:00

Thomas Tuohy RIP 2000
2026-12-17 00:00

Christmas Market at The Towers
2026-12-18 17:30 - 20:30 | King’s Room
On the last Friday before Christmas, the grounds of Buckden Towers are transformed into a warm and festive winter gathering, as Christmas at the Towers brings together community, craft, and celebration in a truly atmospheric setting.
Held in the early evening, as darkness falls across the historic estate, the Towers come alive with lights, music, and the gentle hum of people gathering. The event has become known for its welcoming, village-style atmosphere, where visitors can wander between stalls, meet local makers, and enjoy the seasonal spirit in relaxed surroundings.
At the heart of the evening are the craft and gift stalls, offering a carefully selected range of handmade and artisan items—perfect for finding thoughtful, distinctive Christmas presents. Events at the Towers have featured a mix of local crafts, seasonal goods, and even a young entrepreneurs’ market, giving the evening both quality and variety.
The experience is enriched by a wide range of festive refreshments, with:

hot and cold food available
mulled wine and hot chocolate
a licensed bar
seasonal treats and opportunities such as marshmallow toasting

There is also a strong sense of community celebration, with elements such as carol singing and family-friendly activities, including a Santa’s grotto, creating a joyful and inclusive environment for all ages.
Set within the remarkable surroundings of Buckden Towers—a historic former bishop’s palace with sweeping grounds and centuries of history—the Christmas market offers something more than shopping. It is an evening experience, where heritage, hospitality, and festive cheer come together.
Free to enter and easy to access, it provides a perfect way to step into the final days before Christmas—whether to find gifts, enjoy seasonal food and drink, or simply share in the atmosphere of a place that feels both historic and alive.

James Edward Wignall RIP 1984
2026-12-19 00:00

Eileen Wallis RIP 2010
2026-12-20 00:00

Basil Comerford RIP 1970
2026-12-20 00:00

Patricia Anne Turnbull RIP 2012
2026-12-20 00:00

Madeline Harvey RIP 1987
2026-12-21 00:00

Albert Henry RIP 2009
2026-12-22 00:00

Carol Service
2026-12-22 15:30 - 17:00
Each year, as Christmas draws near, the community gathers at St Mary’s, Buckden, for the Annual Carol Service—a cherished tradition that brings together people from across the village and surrounding area.
Set within the beauty of St Mary’s, the service offers a peaceful and uplifting moment in the midst of the busy Christmas season. The church is gently lit, the sound of music fills the space, and a sense of anticipation and reflection begins to settle.
🎶 A service of word and song
The Carol Service weaves together:

well-loved Christmas carols, sung by all
contributions from the choir and musicians
readings from Scripture, telling the story of the Nativity
moments of stillness and reflection

Together, these elements create a service that is both joyful and reverent, drawing people into the heart of the Christmas story.
🌟 A gathering for the whole community
This is a service for everyone:

families, individuals, and visitors
those who attend church regularly
and those who come each year as part of this special tradition

Organised as part of the life of the local churches, the service reflects the strong sense of community and shared celebration in Buckden.
✨ A moment to pause
In the glow of candlelight and the familiar sound of carols, the Annual Carol Service offers something simple but profound—a chance to pause, to gather, and to prepare for Christmas together.
All are warmly invited to come and be part of this beautiful and much-loved occasion.

Adrian Adcock RIP 1977
2026-12-23 00:00

John Vincent Forster RIP 2003
2026-12-23 00:00
