To celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, a small team of volunteers created a simple tableaux of the nativity scene, depicting Mary, Joseph, and their baby son in the under-utilised bus shelter in Woodgreen. The figures were skillfully woven by local artist Gillian Bathe, with support from local supporter Pippa Hutchinson, who draped dyed cloth to create clever abstract forms.
Alongside the figures were woven animals in the form of a donkey, goat, and pheasant – together with ‘peace’ doves fluttering above in the slight winter breeze. Softly lit at dusk, the baby Jesus is present in the form of a glowing light, to represent the light of Christ.
Members of the church community saw the disused bus shelter as the perfect opportunity for it to play host to a Nativity scene – not least because of the quaint stable-like appearance of the shelter. In 2022, the Parish council was approached in order to seek permission to use it for this purpose, and together with the kind support and talent of a local artist, beautiful woven sculptures were created of Mary, Joseph, and a donkey.
The Church Family thought that it was particularly appropriate to use our disused bus shelter here in the village of Woodgreen to provide shelter for the Holy Family after their long journey – the bareness and simplicity of it seems to resonate perfectly with the story of the arrival of baby Jesus in our world.
Ruth, Churchwarden for Hale & Woodgreen
The wonderful scene will remain in place for all to enjoy up until 6 January, so please do come and enjoy the team’s efforts. You might also like to visit St. Boniface Church, a stone’s throw away, to see the sixteen festive Christmas trees all decorated by local groups and individuals, from schools, to local councillors.
