THE man who relaunched an annual open air service beside an ancient ruined riverside church made a special return to this year’s event after a 23-year absence.

More than 50 people and “seven well-behaved dogs” attended the afternoon woodland service beside the picturesque St James Church in Lancaut.

And despite having multiple sclerosis, Associate Priest Rev Canon Dr Tom Clammer made it along the winding woodland paths with the help of fellow worshippers to the 12th Century church, which was bathed in glorious sunshine.

Those attending were keeping alive a tradition which dates back to August 1930, when Rev Reginald Steer – the same vicar who had overseen the traumatic period of the eviction of Beachley peninsular during World War 1 – held the first service beside the church, which was closed in 1865.

The open air services ended during the Second World War, but were revived in 1996 at the instigation of Tom Clammer, who was then a young student living in Tutshill.

After a break of 23 years and now living in Salisbury, Tom was delighted to return and take part in the 2019 service.

Built in the 1100s on the site of a previous Celtic church dating back to the early 600s, St James served the small village of Lancaut, a small but thriving Wyeside fishing and farming community until the population was probably hit by the Black Death in 1349.

By 1710 there were only four families still living in the village and records show that there were only two in 1865, when monthly services ended and the church closed.

The 12th century lead font was moved to safekeeping and from 1942 has been in the Lady Chapel at Gloucester Cathedral where it can still be seen today.

The service on Saturday, September 1, was led by Rev David Treharne who welcomed and thanked the Trustees of the Forest of Dean Buildings Preservation Trust who own and conserve the ruined church building.

Members of Tidenham Historical Group also formed part of the congregation, which thanked the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and especially Mr Evans, Mr Voyce and Steve Simpson for assisting with access to the church for those unable to walk up or down the public pathway, which enabled everyone to take part in the unique partnership event in one of the most serene and beautiful locations in the Forest of Dean.