EVERY pew was full on Bank Holiday Monday in Chapmanslade as St Philip And St James’ Church celebrated its 150th birthday.

Representatives from village groups nominated a favourite hymn for a Songs Of Praise-themed service.

Worship was led by the Right Rev Edward Condry, the Bishop of Ramsbury, and the Rev Pauline Reid, Priest-in-Charge of the Cley Hill Villages Benefice and Rural Dean. The church bell ringers also performed.

“It was an amazing service, enjoyed by everyone, and it was so pleasing to see the church so full,” said the Rev Reid.

“The Chapmanslade community truly has been at the heart of the church for the last 150 years and we look forward to serving it for the next 150 years.”

After the service, worshippers headed to the school hall next door for tea and cake, and to see an exhibition of the church’s history.

This included an order of service for the 1967 centenary celebrations, found at the Wiltshire And Swindon History Centre.

A birthday cake was served with candles and coloured motif.

The Songs Of Praise theme was inspired by the parish performances at Corsley Showground.

Chapmanslade Parish Council chairman Phil Jefferson, 73, said: “I retire this week and I’m delighted that my spell ends on such a high note.”

“The idea seemed to catch the imagination of village residents. It was particularly pleasing to see so many former residents who had heard about the service and who had special memories of the church coming back to the village for it.”

Mr Jefferson, of Brimhill Rise, said Chapmanslade was a very special village with a strong community spirit.

“A good village is judged by the quality of its school, pub, church and its shop,” he said. “We qualify really well in three of these respects. Sadly, we have no shop but ours is a very popular place to live.”