By J. Brock (FINN)

The angel tasked to tell Mary she is going to have a baby.

Christ Church Cathedral was packed to overflowing on Thursday afternoon at 1700 when students and staff at the Stanley Infant/Junior School held their annual Christmas Concert. The programme began with the Infant/Junior School Choir singing "What Does Christmas Mean to You?" and this was followed by a brief introduction by Head Teacher, John Farrow.

The angel tells Mary the good news.

The first reading, "Going to Bethlehem," was crisply executed by Hannah Pointing and Gabby Hoy. It was followed by the song, "Little Donkey," and then another reading called "No Room at the Inn," by Joe Birmingham and Melissa Barnes. "Away in the Manger" followed on as the children acted out each reading.

Shepherds in the field.

"Angles Speak to the Shepherds," was read out by Mhari Eccles and this was followed by "The Angel Band." The reading, "Shepherds Visit Baby Jesus," was well executed by Lesley Stewart and Tamara Minnell, with the song, "Kings Follow the Star" being sung before the reading, "Wise Men in their Splendour." The reading was tastefully executed by Rebecca Arthur-Almond.

A shepherd that is happy about the Baby Jesus

The Reverand Paul Sweeting then spoke some words of encouragement and asked some of the children what they wanted for Christmas. One young person answered, "A set of Bunk Beds," to the delight of everyone.

The shepherds visit Jesus.

The last song was "Mary Had a Baby" and everyone joined in the singing.

Little Donkey

Thanks goes to Shirley Adams-Leach, who taught the children the music and the teachers, who kept everyone in line and encouraged them. Also, accolades to the Cathedral for the venue and to the Reception Nativity Players, who made the performance so special. Those players are: Lucas Ortega Acevedo, Daniel Clarke, Dwayne Gilson-Clarke, Tevra Fiddes, Torin Harte, Lunianne Henry, Sanjay Henry, George Howatt, Georgina Igao, Harry Johnston, Bradley Minto, Zoe Morris, Kirsty McLeod, Sophie Pompert Robertson, Max Smith, Mairead Stewart-Reid, Louise Williams, David Anderson, Kayleigh Anderson, Christopher Clarke, Matthew Eccles, Jack Ford, Martine Gordon, Emma Goss, Bryony Hay, Demi Godoy-Jones, Alexandra Lancaster, Chelsea Middleton, Roberto Ojeda, Gethyn Roberts, Joshua Sanchez, Ffion Smith, Byron Stewart-Reid, and Sasha Williams.

The Angel Trio