THE tiny iron church, standing alone in the woods at Bramdean Common, near Alresford, will open its doors at 6pm on Sunday, December 6, for ‘Carols in the Wood’.

Reputed to have been built in just five weeks in 1883, by and for the gypsy communities and charcoal makers who lived on the common, the small green building, trimmed in white and with a bell tower, stands as a virtually unknown gem in the Upper Itchen benefice, part of the Winchester diocese.

In danger, in the 1980s, of being closed down, the church is now cared for by a group of trustees, with services held twice a month from May through to September, and on special occasions.

The little church has no electricity and all services are held by candle light, so it will be dark and cold. People going to the carol service are advised to dress up warmly and to bring torches for their walk through the woods.

The carols will be introduced and their origin explained by the rector of Bramdean, the Reverend Graham Bowkett.

Mindful of the remoteness of the venue, refreshments will be available to comfort worshippers on their journey home.

To ensure the quality of these, no less a person than the president of the Bramdean Women’s Institute herself will be supervising the baking of the mince pies and the mulling of the wine.