Camels make a welcome return to Strathaven

Dec 16 2009 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

LAST year’s nativity parade in Strathaven featuring three real camels proved such an outstanding success with local people that the organisers have decided to repeat the event again this year.

The camels, along with three wise men and an entourage of nativity characters, will leave from Kirklandpark Primary School at 6pm on Monday and head for the Common Green.

Its purpose is to help people focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Although organised by Avendale Old Parish and Drumclog churches, all the churches in Strathaven are working closely together to organise the stewarding, music and hospitality.

It is expected that, as last year, crowds of people will gather at the Common Green to welcome the three wise men on their quest to find the Baby Jesus.

In the green there will be music and carols from 6pm, led by Strathaven Evangelical Church, and including musicians from the other churches.

From here the parade will work its way to the West Kirk, where a Nativity Play will be presented by the pupils of Kirklandpark Primary School.

Last year the nativity play took place in Avendale Church, which was packed to overflowing for the event.

For that reason it was decided this year to relocate the nativity play to Strathaven West Kirk, where viewing and video projection will be easier.

An Eastern-style bazaar will also be held in the West Kirk halls and gardens with soup, mulled drinks, a chocolate fountain, gifts and hot drinks, all available under a canopy of lights.

Finally, at 8.15pm, the feature film The Nativity Story, starring Oscar nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes, will be shown in Strathaven Evangelical Church.

The Outreach Community Church is distributing 500 free light sticks to help the celebrations in the parade and crowd. Call in at the OCC charity shop in Kirk Street.