The shepherds have arrived!

This crib was bought many years ago at Buckfast abbey.  It must have about 40 pieces made out of plastic or resin so that the children can handle the pieces.  Not only do I have the Holy Family, the shepherds and kings, but also lots of villagers: the baker, making the bread, the blacksmith with his forge, a fisherman, the washerwoman etc and a camel and his camel driver.  

I used to use them in my teaching at Christmas.  I'd take in a selection of 'Santons' and introduce them to the class then each person chose one and had to present him to the class!  I rarely had more than 10 in the class! I was always amazed at how wonderfully well they did the exercise!