Ilkeston - Christmas People
27 December 2005
All this week's pictures were taken with a Kodak DX6490

Christingle Service

Ilkeston folk found many ways to enjoy and celebrate Christmas including a large congregation who were all a'tingle in St Mary's Church the week before Christmas. Holding their decorated oranges aloft to allow their candles to illuminate the surroundings and remind us of the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World, this was the annual Christingle Service.
Walking Group

On the following Monday the Walking For Health group concluded their weekly ramble with a gathering in Holy Trinity Church for a healthy and nourishing lunch of a selection of home made soups. After their meal, the members of the group gathered around the Oberamergau Crib in the main body of the church to offer thanks with a heartfelt rendition of "Away In A Manger".
Helpers

For the rest of the week, the population went about their business as usual - until Friday. Then I spotted two of Santa's little helpers near the Market Place. Coming from the North Pole, you would have expected them to be used to the cold but these two huddled and shivered together as they posed for this photo. Nice smiles though!
Fancy Dress

On Christmas Eve I made my usual trip to Peter James Hairdressers where once again fancy dress was the order of the day. With everyone in festive mood, the theme this year was characters from children's stories and Nursery Rhymes. Patient customers were most understanding as I interrupted their hair-dos but the smiles showed that all the staff were very happy in their work on this busy day.
Queuing

All the shops in town were busy in the build up to Christmas but on the Tuesday after this was one of the busiest on Bath Street. Whether they were after bargains in the sale or were just returning faulty or unwanted gifts, I don't know but the queue spread out onto the street.
Walking The Dog

It was also on Tuesday the 27th that the snow showers came and gave us a light dusting during the morning. Several people if not searching out those post Christmas bargains were out walking their dogs just like this gentleman on the open ground between the Erewash Museum and Chaucer Old Park. For me though it was back home for an alcohol laced coffee and a bit more turkey! Now as I prepare these Latest Images, the snow is coming down again - it was almost a White Christmas but not quite. It'll probably all be gone before the New Year too!

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