North Yorkshire: exhibition of cribs

Fifty Christmas cribs, including several from Catholic sources, go on display at the Emmanuel church, Saltburn-by-Sea, North Yorkshire, for five days starting this Friday.

The exhibition will feature cribs from all over the world including Africa, Peru, Canada and Germany. A large one from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Saltburn, is among three from the main churches in the town. Several parishioners have also lent their own cribs.

Organiser Mrs Audrey Norris said: "When we've held similar exhibitions elsewhere in North Yorkshire people have loved it. It's a good start to the Christmas season and gets you into the spirit of the season at the beginning of Advent.

"We hope a lot of families will call in. And to encourage them we are holding a quiz with a prize when the exhibition closes on Wednesday December 13."

The event opens at the back of Emmanuel church, Windsor Road, tonight (Friday December 5) from 6.30-8.30. Also on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am to 4pm with the Sunday opening 1.30pm to before the 3pm Christingle service.

The proceeds go to the church's youth project.

Mrs Norris said that she and her husband retired Anglican priest the Rev Eric Norris had held similar crib exhibitions when serving at North Yorkshire parishes at Thirsk and Boosbeck over the past 10 years.

"In the past we've displayed both cribs and Christmas trees and this will be the first time we've had cribs only. We've been pleased at the number lent - about 50 ranging from tiny carved figures to Perspex statues and lit displays.

"We got the idea from reading an article by writer Libby Purves, who has been collecting cribs for many years. We were spurred to hold the Saltburn exhibition after seeing a permanent display at a large Montreal church, St Joseph's Oratory,
while on holiday there last summer."

Mr and Mrs Norris have 20 cribs on display in their home at Upleatham Street, Saltburn - "one in every room," said Mrs Norris. "Our grandchildren and adults enjoy seeing them."

They suggested that some people might like to put their cribs on display in their front windows to remind passers-by about "the true meaning of Christmas."