Published: 30/07/2008 00:00 - Updated: 19/02/2009 00:34

Town to stage a live nativity

by CAROL FROST

WANTED: One baby boy, a rustic shed, a few goats and a camel costume. A collection of kings, a selection of shepherds, an array of angels, and locals to prop up the bar are also on the shopping list.

It's not much to ask for, to ensure that Ashbourne's late night shopping and family evening has the true meaning of Christmas at its heart, through the staging of a live nativity in Church Street.

Late night shopping has been agreed for Friday, December 12, and the live nativity is the development of that staged two years ago in Manion's yard, which caught the imagination and the atmosphere of the festive season.

Antiques dealer Vivyan Manion and Christine Fearn from Derby Road, Ashbourne, are now planning an hour-long 'live-action' nativity, which will start at 7.30pm and will comprise a series of scenes staged at different locations in Church Street, elevated where possible, each of which will be illuminated in turn as the action proceeds.

The action will begin on the steps of the dentists Winfield, Rose and Woods, when the Angel Gabriel will appear to Mary. Later, Mary - riding on a donkey - and Joseph will appear from the White Hart yard, and approach the 'inn' seeking accommodation.

Further along Church Street, outside Hulme's fishmongers, the shepherds will be watching their flocks by night, and the three wise men will proceed along the road seeking out the new-born king whose crib will be found, along with animals, in the courtyard at the clergy widows' flats.

Each of the scenes will be linked through the singing of carols, both solos and with community involvement, as selected by Vicar of Ashbourne Rev Geraldine Pond. Ashbourne's other churches have also been invited to play a part.

Said Vivyan Manion: "We had a lot of positive comments after the nativity scene we did two years ago, so decided to stage a real live nativity, inviting ordinary people to be part of it.

"We are looking to recruit people to be actively involved or to help behind the scenes, so that we can make it a real community event. We'd even like some Shrovetiders to be locals at the inn.

"Ashbourne Town Council is being very supportive and we hope that people will want to be involved, and maybe come up with their own ideas of how this event can be developed."

Volunteers are essential - top of the list, after a baby to play the Christ child, is an experienced horse rider capable of controlling a tame donkey, to play Mary.

Vivyan is also hoping that people who keep geese will be good enough to collect their goose feathers for her to use in making wings for the Angel Gabriel.

Vivyan and Christine are looking for help in making backdrops for the various scenes, so would welcome artistic involvement together with people good with a needle and thread able to help Rutha Titerton in costume making.

Organisers also intend to have angel and shepherd competitions for boys and girls.

Prior to that, there will be a poster competition for children advertising the Christmas nativity event. This will involve local schools, although entry forms will be available for individuals through the Ashbourne News Telegraph and other locations.

Anyone wishing to be involved in the nativity, or with any ideas to further this Christmas occasion, is invited to contact Vivyan Manion at her Church Street shop.