'Twas a dark, wintry, mid December afternoon, with the cold rain stinging the faces of those foolish enough to brave the world outside their own front door when there was an almost biblical parting of the clouds. With dark storm clouds, threatening, but staying to the north of us and a slightly lighter yet no less threatening sky to the south, but with a light blue sky directly overhead the combined parishes of the Oldbury Benefice joined together for the first visit of the Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam to bless the crib on the A4.

The Bishop, newly appointed, was telling the gathered crowd how last year he was blessing the crib in Trafalgar Square in London in his previous role as vicar of St Martin in the Fields. But, because of his recent elvation to the role of Bishop, was fearful he may not get the opportunity to bless a crib this year. So he was very pleased to be invited to come and bless the Oldbury Benefice crib.

The Cherhill CofE School's "Sing Up" choir delighted the gathered crowd of worshippers and well wishers with their singing of carols. The representative of the Children's Society, the beneficiaries of The Oldbury Benefice Christmas 2011 Charity Project, thanked everyone for their efforts and told a little of the work that the charity does throughout the year.

Philip thanked the hosts of the crib and providers of the electricity to light it, The Divine Cafe as well as a large list of businesses and individuals who had all worked to make this crib possible.

Please don't forget that there is a donations box next to the crib to go towards the Christmas appeal!