Our final window in this year’s Advent Calendar was created by St Mary’s Church youth group, The Hub, with a little help from their leaders, Liz, James and Sarah-Jane.  Using the church glass porch doors, they have portrayed the journey to Bethlehem in ‘stained glass’.  This is back-lit and can be viewed from the road even when the gates are locked (which sadly is a necessity these days).  There were 400 people at the Crib Service to witness the opening and blessing of this window and we hope that you will take a trip round the village to see the entire ‘Calendar’ during this next week – one way to help walk off the turkey and other festive cheer.

Silversmith Deirdre Woolgar created a suitably silvery scene in Gothic House for the 23rd window in our Advent Calendar.  Afterwards she and Arthur invited us all in to enjoy Mulled Cider and mince pies straight from the oven.  It was a lovely opportunity to stop doing festive chores and have a good natter with friends.

The children from Artskool Kids expressed their dreams in individual bubbles which collectively formed a simple but beautifully executed window in The Barber’s Room.  Many thanks to Mick and his family for providing mulled wine and mince pies.

Amazing how the imagination works!  This beautiful Christmas Tree in Barber & Co’s window created by Ella Carty is constructed entirely from train tickets collected from Stevenage Station after a lot of red tape at First Capital Connect.  I was so captivated I forgot to take photographs until it was nearly too late!

With two minutes to go we are always wondering what has happened to the crowd but 90 seconds later people materialise from all corners and today was no exception despite the very murky day.  Beautiful window at Bridge Cottage Surgery created in the small panes using a variety of artistic techniques.  Many thanks to Annette and staff for their hospitality – some had wondered if they would be supplying aspirin for use later in the week.

Snow this morning but it didn’t deter a hardy crowd from witnessing the opening of Roger Aubrey’s glorious display of artwork, icons and other artefacts celebrating The Annunciation and then inside for mulled wine and mince pies – all very lovely. 

A very large crowd gathered this morning and we sang 9 verses of The First Noel with great gusto.  The Wellington’s interpretation includes pictures of babies born this year, including an elephant from Whipsnade Zoo.  Courtesy of Liz and staff at The Welly we all enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies and a good chat – all in all a very sociable morning!

For the third year Tenterfield Nursery has worked with Welwyn Library to produce a window which many of the children are involved in.  Firstly there was story time in the Library with Father Christmas looking on, and then we all ventured outside into the cold and damp for the window ‘reveal’ and a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells followed by biscuits enjoyed by children and dogs.

Local artist, Bryan Parkes, has produced a stunning window for Peter Morgan Hairdressing.  Back lit and created in layers to give a 3D effect this window shows a contrast between an arrival in Bethlehem and another in Welwyn.  Peter had gone all out, as usual, to provide  fantastic hospitality with Santa’s Grotto including lights and scented smoke in their back yard to entertain the kids (and adults!).