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.
