Christmas Market and Nativity Set Exhibition

Some 200 children and their teachers from the William Torbitt Primary School had a special preview of the Nativity Set Exhibition on Friday 18th November. Here a teacher points out a model stable.

The popular Christmas Market at St. Peter’s Church Halls in Aldborough Hatch on Saturday 19th November featured an exhibition that is thought to be unique – certainly within Redbridge.

Members of St. Peter’s and friends loan their nativity sets depicting the scene in Bethlehem that first Christmas. The 100 or so nativity sets ranged from the traditional thatched stable to cardboard cut-outs, from figures in Waterford Glass to hand-painted ones and Norwegian glass. Whilst some may have a high monetary value, all are prized and a much loved adornment to the family Christmas of their owners. The exhibition has been held every year since 1999 in conjunction with the Christmas Market. 

Products on sale making ideal Christmas presents ranged from homemade seasonal foods to Christmas cards.

Two donkeys and a barn owl were a major attraction, drawing visitors to the St. Peter’s Christmas Market to visit the Exhibition of Nativity Sets in the church on Saturday last.

The donkeys - mother and son, Elizabeth and Valentine, based at Willow Farm, Little Heath - reminded visitors that there were donkeys amongst the animals in the stable at Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. Also on display was Bramble, the barn owl, who also lives at Willow Farm with Ann and Clive Wilderspin.

One-year-old Archer Grogan met Father Christmas for the first time, whilst six-year-old Erin Lee returned to the Christmas Market again this year to meet her favourite Father Christmas of them all.

Festive refreshments on sale were served by sisters Janet and Rosemary, whilst sister Sue was in the kitchen when this shot was taken. Lilian, Muriel and Lee are seen on the preserves stall.

Christmas Market

Today from 10am to 4pm is the St. Peter’s Christmas Market in the Church Halls and Exhibition of Nativity Sets in the Church - the latter being almost unique, certainly in Redbridge.

Yesterday eight classes from the William Torbitt Primary School walked up the road to see the Exhibition. Pat and Shirley spent the day explaining what it was all about.

I will be on my card stall today - with Christmas Cards, Notelets and Bookmarkls - all using my own photographs of St. Peter’s, Fairlop Waters - and new this year St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey!

The cake stall, the Christmas stall, jewellery, craft and preserves stalls will all be at bursting point!

And Father Christmas is there from 12noon to 2pm!

For many years Yvonne ran the cake stall. Marion and Kristy now do a superb job, but the event is tinged with much sadness for me as I miss Yvonne more than ever. But life goes on and I count my many. many blessings.

Why six?

I am fond of bananas. I believe I read that they help the brain and my brain can do with all the help it can get, I can tell you! I have one banana each morning for my breakfast, which means I need to buy seven. But all the packs I find are of six - which means I then have to buy either another pack or the odd one or two. It is little things like this that drive me mad! Thought you might bet amused to know this.

London on Remembrance Sunday

Today has been good. Morning Service for Remembrance Sunday among friends at St. Peter’s was moving. After a pleasant, well cooked and enjoyable lunch with Heather, Rob, Luke and Marlon, I went to Westminster Cathedral for Vespers with the Rite of Closing of the Door of Mercy. Cardinal Vincent Nichols invited the Archbishop off Canterbury to preach at the end of a special year of Mercy. Justin Welby quoted the Pope, who said to him during the recent audience: “God makes room in our lives for mercy and grace” - but he laced his serious message with humour too. One of the prayers called on us to “reach out to those around us with compassion, understanding and love so that they too will experience God's abundant mercy”. Thought provoking words as the year draws to a close - a year with events that we could not have imagined would take place 12 months ago!

The first photograph shows the Cardinal outside the Cathedral after the service with Paul Moynihan on the left. Paul, who is the Cardinal’s Master of Ceremonies, reminded me that he was with me on SCOUTING magazine some 40 years ago - we are best friends. The third shot is of the Christmas decorations in the Strand. Paul and I opted for the Number 11 bus from Victoria to Liverpool Street, rather than the Underground (being kids at heart!). Paul told me that this is only the second year that the Strand has been decorated for Christmas. He also informed me (for he is a mine of amazing information) that the moon is at its brightest this evening and such brightness will not be seen for another 22 years - by which time I will be 105 (a fact which amused the lady in the next seat at the front of the bus, on the top deck of course!). 

Yes, it has been a good day. Thanks to all who made it so.

London on Remembrance Sunday

Today has been good. Morning Service for Remembrance Sunday among friends at St. Peter’s was moving. After a pleasant, well cooked and enjoyable lunch with Heather, Rob, Luke and Marlon, I went to Westminster Cathedral for Vespers with the Rite of Closing of the Door of Mercy. Cardinal Vincent Nichols invited the Archbishop off Canterbury to preach at the end of a special year of Mercy. Justin Welby quoted the Pope, who said to him during the recent audience: “God makes room in our lives for mercy and grace” - but he laced his serious message with humour too. One of the prayers called on us to “reach out to those around us with compassion, understanding and love so that they too will experience God's abundant mercy”. Thought provoking words as the year draws to a close - a year with events that we could not have imagined would take place 12 months ago!

The first photograph shows the Cardinal outside the Cathedral after the service with Paul Moynihan on the left. Paul, who is the Cardinal’s Master of Ceremonies, reminded me that he was with me on SCOUTING magazine some 40 years ago - we are best friends. The third shot is of the Christmas decorations in the Strand. Paul and I opted for the Number 11 bus from Victoria to Liverpool Street, rather than the Underground (being kids at heart!). Paul told me that this is only the second year that the Strand has been decorated for Christmas. He also informed me (for he is a mine of amazing information) that the moon is at its brightest this evening and such brightness will not be seen for another 22 years - by which time I will be 105 (a fact which amused the lady in the next seat at the front of the bus, on the top deck of course!). 

Yes, it has been a good day. Thanks to all who made it so.

The Poppy - Sunday 13th November - Remembrance Sunday

I found this online today. No words from me . . . 

The Streets in Ilford Town Centre

The Streets came to Ilford Town Centre on Friday and Saturday 11th and 112th November - bringing music and dance to the town as shoppers bustled about. Here in the Exchange are Jyotsna & Bangalore Dreams. The brochure being handed out stated that this group play jazz with Indian music. The second set were shot in Redbridge Central Library and show Ryan Green, Ilford singer/song- writer/composer/musician. Great music and a fine way to spend a wet and wintry afternoon.