Live nativity takes to the streets of Goring again

GORING residents will witness a live nativity procession for the second year running.
Goring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last yearGoring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last year
Goring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last year

Two donkeys will join the walk around the streets from Goring Methodist Church on Christmas Eve.

Kathryn Hughes-Burton, children’s and family worker at the Bury Drive church, said: “Last year, we held a live nativity for the first time and after the huge success, we are doing it again this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It really was an amazing event and the response was phenomenal.

Goring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last yearGoring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last year
Goring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last year

“Nobody could have predicted the success of the first year, with more than 100 people turning out on the journey, starting at the church and joining them along the route.”

The nativity will see Mary and Joseph accompanied by a host of angels, leaving the church at 3pm.

Their journey will take them to Goring Library, to ‘register for the census’, before travelling to The Mulberry pub restaurant, where Joseph will knock on the door to ask if there is any room at the inn.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Kathryn added: “The Mulberry was amazing last year and really entered into the spirit of the event, agreeing to do the same this year.”

Goring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last yearGoring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last year
Goring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last year

Mary and Joseph will then be joined by some shepherds ‘to see this wondrous sight’, before meeting three wise men along Ilex Avenue.

The procession will then turn up Compton Avenue and return to Bury Drive, where a stable scene will be created at the church, complete with a real baby as Jesus.

Kathryn said: “This year, Goring Methodist Church hopes the event will be the success that it was last year, however the icing on the cake this year is the fact we have managed to get not one but two real donkeys to take part.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The route allows people to join in part of the journey, if they are unable to do the entire walk.”

Goring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last yearGoring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last year
Goring Methodist Church's first live nativity, held last year

The procession starts in Bury Drive and continues in turn to Aldsworth Avenue, Ashurst Drive, Goring Library, The Mulberry, Ilex Avenue, Compton Avenue and back to Bury Drive.

It should arrive back at the church at 4pm, when seasonal refreshments will be served and carols sung around the stable.

The nativity story will be told mainly through carols along the route, with narration by the Rev Graham Locking, minister of Goring Methodist Church.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at Worthing Herald

3 Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.