St Matthew’s Civic Carol Service with Thanksgiving and Dedication

The annual Civic Carol Service was held at St Matthews Church on Sunday 14 December 2025 with Thanksgiving and Dedication.  The service was led by Reverend Preb Jim Trood and The  Reverend David Candlin from Bloxwich gave the Sermon. 

Later the event known as Bun and Shilling were presented by the Mayor Cllr Louise Harrison. The ceremony is believed to have started in 1553 when Christ’s Hospital School London, was founded as a school for the fatherless and poor men’s children. Each year pupils would receive a newly minted silver coin and then entertained to tea by the Mayor. 

The Buns and Shillings ceremony is symbolic : the bun of the help given to the family and the shilling of the help given to the children with their education.  Children from Blue Coat School took part with the Choir and were nominated for the Buns and Shillings Ceremony.