Nativity Crib Festival (Sunday Photos)
(Bear nativity scene from Alaska)
We went to St Cuthbert’s church in Wells today, to see the Nativity Crib Festival. Over 200 nativity scenes from all around the world. All loaned to the church, for this weekend only, by their owners, to fill the church.
(Handcarved wooden nativity scene from Poland)
There were scenes made from wood, soapstone, paper, wool, soda cans, fudge, metal, fabric, china, shells, clay, even cheese. Too many to mention. Honestly bowled over by the variety. So many different styles. I saw the smallest crib scenes I have ever seen too. Another rescued from a bombed out school in Belguim/Holland, by a British soldier, during the second World War.
(Recycled paper nativity scene via Traidcraft)
Each scene had a handwritten note beside them, letting us know where they came from, how they were found and a number of lovely stories, such as over-enthusiastic dogs that had slightly mauled the scenes over the years.
(Turkish nativity scene)
We all loved the festival. Everyone had their favourites. It reminded me of walking around the Presepe shop fronts in the centre of Naples, at this time of year. So much to look at. The creativity and passion put into each piece. Also a lovely antidote to the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping going on in the street outside.
(Nativity scene from Zambia)
I am definitely feeling the mixture of festive vibes and peace. This was a fabulous display and I hope it is on again next year. Thank you, St Cuthbert’s.
(P.S. If any of you have seen the movie Hot Fuzz, you might recognize the church, which was used for the fete scenes.)
Festive Theatre Trip
(This is not an ad, in any form)
We went to the theatre, this weekend. It was truly magical. A Christmas Carol at the Bristol Old Vic. I’ll admit that when I booked the tickets, part of me just wanted to see the refurbishment of the theatre.
I’d popped in during the summer, to pick up Eldest teen from a theatre trip. The foyer looked amazing. They have opened it up, into one large, open space. The old, stone wall is exposed for all the floors and, as we stood waiting to take our seats, they used it as a backdrop for a light show, with the doors opening dramatically at the end. My goodness, it grabbed our attention.
The play was brilliant too. A Christmas Carol was the first Charles Dickens book I read. I love the story. This adaption was entertaining and put me in a festive mood. I’d forgotten how clever theatre productions can be. Without cgi, they used screens and lights, plus sheets of paper and puppets, to bring the unseen to life. A small cast in number and they made good use of the stage. I loved their use of sign language, or as Scrooge put it, wavy language. Making it part of the performance rather than an awkward add on.
A good trip and one I’d thoroughly recommend. I looked along the row to my family watching, at one point. Faces lit up by the stage lights. They were all transfixed and smiling. Being teens, the children are way too old for Father Christmas visits and no longer enamoured by a Pantomime, this was a perfect festive evening out.
I’m glad we went.
(Adding to my collection of knitted snow lanterns. Knitting one lantern at a time!)
Wild Strawberries – my Sunday Photo
Tucked away, in many quiet corners of our garden, are patches of wild strawberries. Unobtrusive for most of the year. I always imagine they were originally brought into the garden as alpine strawberries. Maybe labelled with a botanical name and potted up. Over the years, they’ve gone feral. Shaking off their confines. Spreading themselves wherever and whenever. Each year, the patches grow larger. Unnoticed until the red, miniature strawberries hang like lanterns on bowed twigs.
Each spring, the first of the family to find them ripe and ready to eat, usually keeps it quiet. Nibbling surreptitiously, until another notices. Guilty faces. Eventually everyone is in on the secret. It can takes days, if not a week.
This year, it was me. I found them first. Go me! Although, in all fairness, I think it was me. I mean, I can never be quite sure. Knowledge has been denied. Hmm. They are, undoubtedly, a tricky lot when it comes to wild strawberries.
Strawberry, anyone?
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