Christingle and Carols : The Church Nativity Service

How did our local Nativity play attract the attention of  BBC Radio Berkshire?  Well - I have no doubt it was down primarily to the intuitive ingenuity of a certain, extremely hardworking churchwarden.   We would be part of the "Nikki Whiteman" show going out live within a part of the programme known as "Charlie's Challenge". An integral part of Charlie's Challenge is that Charlie himself doesn't actually know what he will be asked to do, he is only told where and when it is to take place.

A hearty breakfast  of Croissants - Brioche or  Scrambled eggs with Coffee or Tea was available to everyone, all we had to do was make the appropriate choice. During Breakfast, Presenter Charlie Baker arrived with his high-tech kit and quietly got on with the job of establishing contact with the studio in Caversham near Reading.

Charlie conducted several interviews and learned along the way that he was to play a part in the rehearsals for this evening's event. Try as he may, he couldn't get any of the youngsters to tell him which part he would be taking on. The precise moment when Sally informed Charlie of his character, was captured perfectly in the above right hand photo. Charlie was to play the part of - - "The Donkey"

Being a true professional, Charlie attempted to negotiate a new contract maintaining he would be better cast as an Angel - We really couldn't agree.

So - a donkey it was to be and Charlie well and truly threw himself into the part. He was be-mused to think  that he had come to the valley of the racehorse only to end up playing a donkey.  Below the final interview with Revd. Tony Cumberlidge, backed by Mollie. Jessica and Shannon singing Silent Night.  Charlie endeared himself to all  who were present - Thanks Charlie - from all of us -Great stuff.

With rehearsals complete - other sessions in addition to this mornings of course - we could now look forward to the main event in the Church this afternoon at 3pm.                    Read 0n..........

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Text and  Photos : Ken Tarbox