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