Although Ken is a familiar figure at the door for the Thursday and Sunday services, few people realise the work that goes into creating such a beautiful atmosphere.

Ken starts planning Christmas in June, when the order for 4,500 candles must be placed. Some 400 candles are used in a single service, with up to 60 round the altar alone and, were he to do it on his own, it would take Ken over half-an-hour to light them all. However, Gordon Lyford and Peter Driver lend welcome extra pairs of hands.

This year a November wedding will be the first candle-lit service, followed by a concert by the Ashtead Singers on 6 December, then St Giles' and City of London Freemen's schools' Christmas services. The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, the midnight service on Christmas Eve and the 11.30am on Christmas Day are all made more enchanting by the soft light of flickering candles.

Do visit St Giles' to share the magic but, as you trudge back down the path, bear a thought for Ken, Gordon & Peter who will not be blowing out the candles as if on a birthday cake. Each one must be extinguished with water to avoid the smoke detectors summoning the local fire brigade!