Ian and Marian Unger’s gorgeous life size nativity scene near the corner of Jones and Reymond Streets is once again up and ready for the festive season.
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Next Friday night something very special is happening and you are invited.
Led by Father Brian Schmalkuche, there will be a “re-enactment” of that first Christmas, one like you’ve never seen before and probably will never again!
Bring your fold up chairs and enjoy. Check Tuesday’s paper for more details on the re-enactment.
Here is a little story about the lead up to the construction of the nativity scene last year...
It was when Ian was on his back recovering from an operation last year that there germinated the thought he construct a Nativity Scene, a thought which refused to go away!
Key to the project was finding two life sized mannequins, seated ones at that.
A supplier in Brisbane had a male one and some time elapsed before he found them a Mary.
Because mannequins are snowy white, they first had to be given what passes for a Middle Eastern suntan.
For the Manger fitout, several bales of hay came from Diane and Stuart Elliot’s farm and the donkey and the sheep were rounded up in Plant Nurseries. No cows.
The Star of Bethlehem was made extra bright with 24 volt LEDs and the “light rays” a dimmed 12 volts.
Parkes business EWS was very helpful in this regard as was Alan Draper with the wiring.
Ian named the silhouettes of the three angels Gabrielle, Michael and Marion!
He really surged ahead with brownie points after that clever move.
Jason Goodsell’s crane made short work of lifting the Star and the Angels into position.
In the lead up to Christmas last year word got around regarding the Nativity Scene and about seventy cars drove the 80 or so metres in to take closer look.
Some families had cameras and took photos of their children standing right next to Joseph, Mary and the Babe.