Christmas display commemorates First World War centenary in West Chiltington

More than 60 children from the village school with Brownie and Rainbow packs brought their creativity to a unique installation at St Mary’s Church West Chiltington, a giant star and a poppy themed nativity scene.

The Christmas Eve crib service was attended by 200 adults and 91 children.

The congregation stepped forward to place a poppy (made by Brownies, Guides and Rainbows) either side of the nativity stable to mark the centenary of the end of the Great War.

Ten-year-old Henry Parker sang the opening verse of Silent Night in German in an echo of the 200th anniversary of the carol, which was also sung by troops in the trenches in 1914.

The service raised several hundred pounds for the Children’s Society.

On Sunday January 6 (Epiphany) St Mary’s launched its super star dramatically suspended above the chancel as the congregation remembered the visit of the kings to the baby Jesus.

St Mary’s Rector Rev’d David Coleman said: “We were inspired by the Church of England’s Follow the Star campaign to try to make the largest star ever scene in our ancient Norman Church and have been delighted with the response. We may not be Chichester Cathedral’s laser light star of Bethlehem but our own Great Star of West Chiltington has quickly become a talking point.”

Each child attending the service wore a crown during the procession.

More than 400 people have attended church services at St Mary’s West Chiltington over Christmas.