Over 100 villagers, present and former, as well as some visitors, met outside the Cridford Inn for the start of our walking Nativity.  There were gasps when our local postie turned up with a delivery - but it was all part of the plan as he'd brought the message to give to the Angel Gabriel to pass on to Mary!  Well angels are messengers and our posties bring us messages!  We met three alpacas but Mary wasn't too keen on riding one of them as they have a habit of spitting!  Herod was a great 'villain' as always, the Roman soldier managed to keep control  and send u on our way to register ourselves.  The wise men looked regal in their sweeping gowns; the former young shepherds and angels (now teenagers)  reminisced and the current young shepherds and angels warmed themselves round the fire until Gabriel and the adult angels appeared to bring them the good news.

Eventually everyone gathered round the stable where baby Jesus quietened down with Joseph's rocking and when we started seeing and when his eyes fell on the lovely sheep  presented by the shepherds!

We all enjoyed homemade soup afterwards and then made our way back to our homes - or to the pub - having been reminded again of the truth of the account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehm.

Our thanks go to Pat for organising everything and to everyone for turning out - including Ian who just happened to be staying in the pub for one night on he and his wife's way from Portugal to Ramsgate, and he had his flute with him.  So he joined our wandering minstrel, Mick, to accompany the carols. 

The weather was perfect, if a bit muddy underfoot in places.  but what a truly special evening it was.