The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
NEw nAtivity sCulpturE By prisonErs splits opinion
Scene will be located at the Cathedral, rather than Queensgate
A new nativity scene designed and made by inmates at HMP Peterborough has been unveiled at Peterborough Cathedral. The new metal sculpture replaces the old display, which was housed at Queensgate Shopping Centre.
Unveilingthestatue, which will remain at the Cathedral’s North Portico, acting Dean Canon Jonathan Baker said; “It has been a great privilege to workwithHMPrisonPeterboroughonthecreationofthis newnativity scene. Their willingnesstocapturetheessence of the Christmas story and to tackle a challenging site have been outstanding.”
The sculpture has been funded by Queensgate. Cen- tre director Mark Broadhead said: “I hope the sculpture helps to inspire people, young andold, to understandandre- member the true meaning of Christmas.”
However, the art has split opinion in the city, with some describing it as ‘beautiful’ and others labelling it as ‘scrap’.
MollieLipscombesaid:“Oh I am so mad. What is happening to Peterborough. Thebubble wrap Christmas tree first and now a bit of scrap metal. Both are horrible. I loved the nativity.”
Glenis Addy added: “What a waste of money, what’s wrong with traditional nativity?”
However, Marian Macey said: “The new nativity is beautiful. I amsorrythatthere will be no nativity in Queensgate again this year. I always enjoyed seeing the nativity in themidstoftheshops, I always hope that it would at least, for a moment, steer shoppers to the true meaning and indeed the wholereasonwecelebrate Christmas.” Peterborough Cathedral has been given a £400,000 for vital maintenance.
The grant, f rom the First WorldWarCentenary Cathedral Repairs Fund is for high level fire safety glazing to the tower. This programme of work was recommended by the Cathedral’s insurers.
Canon Jonathan Baker, Acting Dean of Peterborough, said: “This grant is very good news for the Cathedral as without it we would not be able to undertake the work needed at high level in the building which is required by our insurers. We face an uphill struggle to meet our day to day running costs, so the WWIgrantscheme’s help in covering this major additional expenditure is invaluable. We are most grateful.”