STABLE PROVES THE PERFECT STAGE 

The restored stable in the Elford Hall Garden proved the perfect stage for the climax of a church service to commemorate the Christmas nativity.

So much so that the Rev Denise Burgess, who inspired and led the service on Christmas Eve, wants to make it an annual event.

The service, which attracted a packed congregation, began in St Peter’s church and, following a lantern-lit procession that included two donkeys, culminated in the stable.

There in a manger, accompanied by a backdrop of readings telling the Christmas story and carols, four-week-old Tristran Hughes played the part of the baby Jesus and villagers filled the supporting roles.

Following the service, members of the congregation retired to the new oak frame barn in the Hall Garden grounds to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.

The stable had been restored thanks to a generous donation of bricks from Wienerberger and the sterling efforts of Dave Hill, an Elford resident and Hall Garden Project volunteer.

And, in addition to helping create the perfect location for a re-enactment of the Christmas nativity, Dave played a key role in the service.

In a letter to Dave Watton, Project chairman, Rev Denise wrote: “On behalf of myself and PCC of St Peter’s Church, I would like to extend grateful thanks to you and the Elford Hall Garden team for all the help and suppprt for the Nativity Service on Christmas Eve.

“Particular thanks are due to Dave Hill whose limitless energy was a great encouragement, and Pete and Ted for their expertise and commitment above the call of duty.

“The whole team gave great support and their efforts led to a very successful event. I have been approached by a number of people suggesting this should be an annual event.

“In the light of this could I ask the Hall Garden Management Committee to consider timetabling ‘The Nativity” on Christmas Eve 2012?”