An amazing Christmas collection on display

By Catherine Sheehan

Over 100 Christmas Nativity sets from all around the world are currently on display in the Parish Hall (Old School House) next to St John’s Church in Richmond.

Richmond parishioner Sandra Bamford has been collecting the Nativity sets over many years and said she was more than happy to share her collection with others this Christmas.

“I’m really pleased and hopefully people can share in the beauty and wonder of what Christmas really is about,” Sandra said.

“Christ’s coming to the earth, it’s like, oh my goodness, the world was never the same. And with the humility and the humbleness with which He came, it’s just so special.”

Sandra started collecting the Nativity sets more than three decades ago when she received several as gifts. She then started buying them herself, particularly when she travelled overseas. She has now collected nearly 500.

“It’s absolutely beautiful to collect nativity scenes… it’s the Christmas story but every nativity scene is different,” she said.

Richmond Parish Priest, Fr Fidelis Udousoro, said the display would help put Christ at the centre of Christmas.

“Our goal is to put Jesus at the centre of this month, especially as we await his coming at Christmas,” he said.

“We also hope to give his joy, love, peace and hope to the poor through the donations that we shall receive.

“As visitors enjoy the scenes, they will also have the opportunity of saying two simple prayers to the infant Jesus. These prayers are on the walls of the hall.”

The Nativity sets will be on display daily from 9am to 4pm in the Parish Hall behind St John’s Church in Richmond until 6 January. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to make a donation which will be used by the Parish to assist those in need.