News
New custom is born as nativity scene takes its place
17 December 2007
Inspired by Spanish village traditions, tracked down on eBay, paid for by donations and now on display in Craven Arms - a large and eye catching nativity scene could be the start of a new festive custom for the town.
The scene has been installed in the front window of South Shropshire Housing Association (SSHA) in the Auction Yard at Craven Arms for all to see and will stay there until after Christmas.
Alison Kinrade, administrator of the Craven Arms Group of Churches explained: “It all began when a parishioner approached the Rev Melia Cope of the Craven Arms group of churches after admiring the nativity scenes in the public squares of local villages in Spain where he had been on holiday.
“Melia took up the challenge to see if it was possible to do the same in our town, and felt that any nativity scene should be a gift from all denominations. “
Money was collected from a carol service which included members of the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Evangelical and Anglican churches. The cost of making the nativity scene from scratch proved too high , but the on-line auction house eBay came to the rescue when a set of ten nativity figures was put up for sale.
SSHA is area’s largest not-for-profit landlord. Linda Staves, Customer Services Supervisor, said: “The nativity scene is a lovely peaceful addition to our window and we hope that it will be admired by Christian and non Christians alike. We are delighted to host what may well become a local custom.
“We are always happy to consider displays which reflect the local community, whatever their faith or culture and would be delighted to hear from other groups wanting to celebrate major dates in their religious calendar.”
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