Christingle and Carols  :  Breakfast with Radio Berkshire at the Queens Arms Country Inn 
Within the Church, a stable complete with impliments and real hay  had been created for the nativity play. East Garston Bellringer Christopher Vaughan produced a purpose built crib for the scene.
A buzz of excitement runs through the gathering of youngsters, as they sit and await the start of the service.
An ever vigilant Sophie spots the Vicar approaching as Jessica gathers up some of the younger Angels and takes them to their positions
Revd. Cumberlidge welcomed everyone to the service adding humorously, that there was a planned script but we should be prepared for minor deviations and distractions. After the opening prayer he formally introduced the Advent Wreath and the Crib Service.
The cue for the arrival of the Shepherds was the reading by Freddie Tulloch - (Luke 2, verses 8-12) - part way through the reading, Freddie had just read the line.. "And the Angel of the Lord appeared before them" - and below him a little voice said "Dad - Dad". At the bottom of the pulpit his own little Angel had truly appeared before him. Dad promptly gathered up his timely arrived Angel, and continued with the reading.
With all these Shepherds around, we shouldn't have any more problems with the Lambs.......Should we-??
Not a bit of it - They started off well, then one tried to use the other as a chair. The one on the right has clearly telegraphed his intentions.
Lambs will be Lambs I guess.  This is great Stuff - You couldn't write material as good as this into a children's play..
The Three Kings were all very majestic in there highly coloured robes.
Bertie however, decided he would rather eat his Gold than deposit it in the stable.
Our soloists Mollie Jessica and Shannon  perform "We Three Kings of Orient Are"
George Sophie and baby Alexander sit peacefully watching all that is going on around them.
Below - Revd. Cumberlidge and the cast are joined by a whole wagon load of Angels for the final Carol - "Little Jesus Sweetly Sleep"
After the closing address and prayers there was time for a chat and refreshment for the parents as the children headed into craft time.
 Craft time would be followed by a Children's Tea Party that would include the cutting of Jesus' Birthday Cake.
Our young residents seen here enjoying their spell of cutting and pasting during the craft session.
Full marks to Jessica for taking on the responsibility of offering guidence to the much younger children.

And So, we came to the end of a very special Christmas service. Three or four years ago Tony Cumberlidge set out his stall as to the kind of church he wanted to preside over. He wanted a Church that meant something to everyone regardless of their age or means. All along he has maintained that Children should and must be a part of the church, without them of course there is no future.

Tony's policy toward the young ones has paid dividends - something we could all see today. These children were totally relaxed within the church, and thoroughly enjoyed todays event. Sally, our Churchwarden is to be commended for the copious amount of hard work she puts into these special occasions. I have said before on the Carols page that in my opinion, this service today was the jewel in the crown for 2007 at All Saints' - Spontaneous and totally natural - Thank you - it was a privilege to be in attendance.

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Text and  Photos : Ken Tarbox