Travellers and shoppers looking for Easingwold may have been surprised to find they were two thousand years and two thousand miles adrift when they arrived in Bethlehem to find a familiar story unfolding around them in the Market Place.
Outside the newsagents a couple of angels were proclaiming good news; two Wise Men sought or found wisdom outside the printers’ shop (the third had stopped to mend a puncture to his camel); while outside the Inn (of course) sat Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus.
Donkeys and shepherds circulated nearby while a Roman soldier patrolled the area, ensuring that everybody was kept in order (though he was rebuked by his Centurion for checking his mobile abacus while on duty).
Many people stopped to chat to the cast members and, as a reminder of the Christmas story, receive cut-out angels which they could colour and display on their Christmas trees.
The ‘Bethlehem Tea Rooms’ at the Methodist Church refreshed the chilly populace with coffee and mince pies, and offered crafts for children.
Described by Mick Wansborough of Easingwold Parish as “A very successful event,” the 7th December scene was arranged by Churches Together in Easingwold and District (CTED).
“Our grateful appreciation goes to all the cast members, to the ladies who kept the coffee and mince pies flowing, to all those who cut out the angels, to Peter Snowden for bringing donkeys Bess and Thomas, and to the Galtres Centre and the Town Council for letting us stage this interactive event,” added Mick.