Over 100 people - actors, villagers past and present, and visitors - met at the Cridford Inn for the start of the annual village Nativity.  We were surprised when our local postie came to make a delivery but then realised he had brought the message that the Angel Gabriel was to give to Mary - well, angels are God's messengers and our postie brings us messages!

We had the Roman solider telling us to go and register in our home town, villagers grumbling about the taxes Caesar was imposing and then we all had to move on.  Going past Herod's Palace in Jerusalem, we saw the three wise mean and Herod being his usual villainous self!  

Mary was offered three alpacas to ride on but declined as they spit!  Arriving in Bethlehem the local landladies could offer no room but one of them told of a nearby stable where they could find shelter.   So up the lane we went into the shepherds' field where today's teenagers reminisced of when they were shepherds and angels, or even baby Jesus!  The shepherds and junior angels, sitting round a fire, were surprised by Gabriel's visit but then we all found the star over the place where Jesus was born.  He was crying until Joseph rocked him, the children and angels sang Away in a manger, and the shepherds brought their lamb for him to see!

The weather had been kind, though it was still a bit muddy, but we all warmed up with lovely homemade soup and bread.  

Thanks to Pat for organising everything so well, to the actors for playing their parts, and to those who hosted us in various places along the route,  We were grateful to Ian, who happened to be staying in the pub overnight on his and his wife's way from Portugal to Ramsgate, who always has his flute with him and willingly accompanied our wandering minstrel, Mick, on his melodica. 

We all went home - or back to the pub - after what had been the 19th nativity - all hoping there will be another one next year that will be just as special as this one was!