Norfolk nativity procession defies the snow
 The snow was deep and crisp and even when a 150-strong Nativity procession made its way through Thetford in Norfolk last week. Pastoral Outreach Care Co-ordinator, Carl Clark, reports.
Over 150 parents, children and teachers of the Bishop's C of E Primary School in Thetford, braved the wintry conditions for the second year running as it was snowing heavily before the Nativity Procession left the warm confines of the school.
The meadows were icy and snow lay all around as the procession, nearly a mile long, stretched its way towards town, it was an awesome sight.
Once again Mary (Sophie Aylott) and Joseph (Kian Chandler), were turned away at the Inn, when we stopped at the Bell Hotel in the town, so they had to look elsewhere.
It is a testament to how the community has taken the school to their hearts that so many parents turned up with their children for the torchlight procession, to St Cuthberts Church for our school service.
Order of the night led by the youthful Canon Bob Baker were Christmas carols, readings and a special rendition of "Merry Christmas War is Over", sung by our Portuguese choir from the school.
Lyle Struthers, Year 6, read the message that Mary was chosen from all the women on this earth to bear God’s child, she was an ordinary mother like yours or mine, with an extraordinary son.
I would like to thank all teachers, parents, carers and support staff and a big thank you to the children who made it a wonderful evening. Also a big thank you to the church and its congregation who are linked strongly to our school, as they made it a lovely welcome, and also supplied us with hot and cold refreshments for the cold and weary after the service. | 