5:10pm Saturday 22nd December 2012
By Chris Gregory
THE true meaning of Christmas was spelled out with a ‘live’ nativity scene at a Basingstoke church.
Donkeys, sheep and geese were on show at the Sarum Hill Centre, for the Town Centre Community Church’s annual Christmas event.
Around 300 people came to the Sarum Hill building to join in with the festivities.
The creatures, supplied by Andwell-based Miller’s Ark Animals, weren’t the only attractions at the event.
Children could enjoy face-painting, a DVD corner and a Christmas card workshop, while biblical characters such as Joseph and Mary mingled with the crowd. Families were handed a specially-made Christmas tree decoration as they left.
Richard Dutton, from Brookvale, came to the event with his four-year-old son Clay and his one-year-old daughter Isla.
The 30-year-old said: “We like it here for the kids. Obviously, there are the animals here and it’s a nice way to start Christmas.”
Church leader Gary Bastin said: “I think there has been a great buzz in the air of all ages, from kids and children through to grandparents, enjoying the food and what I call the heart of Christmas.
“When people come to a church, they know they will get the Christmas message. It’s encouraging to see so many people here who want to be a part of it.”
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