AN ASSISTANT CURATE in Kingston upon
Hull, who was ordained priest by the Archbishop of York earlier
this year, is looking for three camels to star in a "live" nativity
this Christmas.
The Revd Matt Woodcock had the idea of
staging a nativity scene outside Holy Trinity, Hull, on 22
December, using camels for the three wise men to ride on, a star
erected above the church tower, and a pregnant woman to play the
part of Mary.
"I think I've already got a donkey and
a horse, but tracking down a camel in East Yorkshire is proving to
be a bit difficult," Mr Woodcock told the Hull Daily Mail.
"It is likely to be chaotic and all over the place, but what better
way for children to find out about the story of Christmas than with
real animals?
"It is one of those crazy ideas that
is going to take a lot of organising, but I'm completely buzzing
about it. It is going to be amazing."
Mr Woodcock says that his plan is
still in its formative stages, but that he hopes the three wise men
will be leaving the church - in Hull's Old Town - on camels.
The nativity scene will then move
around Trinity Square, with a pregnant woman, playing the part of
Mary, finally "giving birth" to baby Jesus in front of the church.
A star will then rise above the tower as the church bells ring.
"We want the whole community around
the church to get involved," Mr Woodcock said. "We want a pub
landlord to play the innkeeper, and it would be great if some of
the guys from St Paul's boxing club could be Herod's men, or
shepherds.
"I haven't approached him yet, but how
good would it be if we could get Luke Campbell [Hull's Olympic
boxing gold medallist] to dress in gold and be the Angel
Gabriel?"
The event has already received the
all-clear from Hull City Council, provided that health and safety
requirements are met.
Mr Woodcock is urging anyone in the
area who can help to make costumes, or bring animals - or produce
the camels - to get in touch with him. "I've got a wager on with
our church leader, Neal Barnes, that I can get a camel," he said.
"I'd love to get one each for the three wise men, but if I could
just get one, that would be fantastic.
"I'm determined to do it - even if I
have to go to Egypt and bring one back on the plane myself."
Anyone who may be able to help is
asked to tweet @revmattwoody, or email
matt@holy-trinity.org.uk.