CHURCHGOERS in Petersfield and the surrounding villages were able to enjoy a return to full services with hymns on Sunday for the first time since March 23, 2020, when the first Covid lockdown began.

During the 15 months since then, churches have been closed for much of the time.

On July 15 last year, as restrictions eased, they were able to reopen for services.

But the places had to booked, those attending had to sit two metres apart, masks had to be worn, and there was no hymn singing or Holy Communion.

But with all restrictions now lifted, last Sunday (August 1) they were able to hold services as normal.

St Peter’s vicar Reverend Will Hughes said: “It was wonderful – almost 150 attended our early service and our family mass.

“One part of the church was reserved for those who took comfort from social distancing.

“But for the rest is was as normal, and it was very lovely, and very moving, to hear hymns being sung again.”

To mark the ‘almost’ return to normality, after the service, a celebratory picnic was held in the churchyard.

One elderly churchgoer said: “I’ve really missed the hymn singing, and on Sunday we had some lovely hymns.

“It was great to be able sing again, but I think we were all a bit out of tune after so long of just singing along to the BBCs Songs of Praise on Sunday evenings!”