NATIVITY figures that graced the front of a church for years have been given a new home, thanks to a Starforth-based chartered surveyor.
The figures of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds and three wise men were donated to Jonathan Wallis by Barnard Castle Town Council when they heard residents in Startforth were looking to light up their village for Christmas.
The nativity scene had stood outside Barnard Castle Methodist Church. The crib structure was vandalised 18 years ago – some of the figures were stolen and set on fire.
They were later found along the banks of the River Tees. Replacement cribs were crafted on two occasions but two years ago, they were withdrawn from display because of safety concerns.
Mr Wallis said he was kindly offered the nativity figures by Roger Peat, from Barnard Castle Christmas Lights committee, after hearing about efforts to improve festive displays in Startforth.
He said: “The crib and the figures are important to me and many people from our area. For as long as I can remember the crib was erected outside of the Methodist Church in Barnard Castle as part of the Christmas lights display and I remember looking at it from a very young age.”
So with the help of Alan Beaty, his former design technology teacher from Barnard Castle School, Mr Wallis set about building a new crib to house the historic figures. He added: “All in all, it took us a couple of weeks to source and build the crib and I’m delighted to restore it to its former glory for the benefit of everyone.
“It’s part of my own and the town’s social and personal history.”
The nativity crib is now at Startforth Community Centre, the site of Mr Wallis’ old school, which is also now the location of his office.
Mr Wallis said: “I’d like to thank the town council, Alan Beaty and everyone who has had an input into the restoration project.”
