ON Sunday, December 2 at the family service in Cradley Church we were enchanted to find about 30 cribs round the church. The windowsills, pulpit steps, reredos ledges, in fact every possible surface was used. This was brought about by an idea of Di Hames, and we are indebted to her, both for the idea and the presentation, which was undoubtedly hard and time consuming work. So to Di and her helpers, Nell Holder and Becky Ireland our grateful thanks for an enchanting service of dedication of the cribs. The service was taken by the Rev Mike Vockins and the address given by the Rev Preb Sam Ashton who excelled himself by his "broom and shovel" representation of the state of the manger.

The orchestra with its new name of "Jimmy's Band", i.e. St James Church, who now welcome musicians of all ages, gave a fine performance and the hymns, specially chosen for the occasion were very much enjoyed. Coffee and biscuits were served afterwards, offering time for a friendly chat, whilst walking round viewing the cribs etc on display, thus providing a great introduction to Advent and the coming Christmas season.