The Odcombe Carol Tradition
Carols are sung in Lower Odcombe on Christmas Eve and in Higher Odcombe the previous night, December 23rd. The carollers set out from the Village Hall at 7pm and continue until around 11pm, or until every house is visited. On Christmas Eve in 2005 our path took us into The Mason's Arms for the first time. After receiving a very warm welcome, we hope to repeat the visit in 2006! We knock at every house in the village and one of the carollers, known as the 'caller', greets the family by name, saying; 'Goocf evening Mr & Mrs (......) and family. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year'. If the family is known to have visitors, they are also included by name. A collection is made every year. Formerly, all proceeds went to the Methodist Chapel. In 2005 over £400 was raised and donated to the village hall building project. This year funds will be given to support our beautiful village church, which is required to raise significant and ever-increasing sums for routine maintenance. You are asked to give generously, as a token of your appreciation for our very special village tradition, to support the village and - importantly - to encourage the singers! Originally, the carols could not be sung until Christmas morning. The carollers used to assemble at Brympton House at midnight and would sing until about 6 am. They worked their way around Brympton, Higher and Lower Odcombe while the village resounded to the sound of our carols; 'Christians awake, salute the happy morn!'
The carols have been sung in Odcombe every year since 1860, and possibly even earlier. Just one year, 1999, saw a howling gale, flying roof tiles and falling branches, so it simply wasn't safe to go out. There were tears that year as the decision was taken and the street singing cancelled. But to make amends, the carols were sung in the Methodist chapel the following Sunday.
