The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
School nativity play at farm
Just as Mary and Joseph found room in the stable, Macduff Primary School found room at a local farm so they could put on a nativity show for their parents this year.
Head teacher Helen James was determined to give the pupils an end-ofterm to remember after a difficult 18 months, and enlisted the help of fellow teacher Gordon McKay to make her vision a reality.
Mr McKay opened up his family farm at Netherwood to pupils and their parents for the one-off show.
One of the fields was decorated with Christmas decorations, and different performance areas were separated by bales of hay for each class to tell their part of the nativity story.
Visitors could wander around the different areas – with one even including a real donkey who made an appearance during a rendition of Little Donkey, much to the enjoyment of the children.
There was a huge round of applause as Mrs James was hoisted up in the air by tractor to address the visitors to the farmyard nativity.
She said: “We knew this year was going to be different with Covid restrictions.
“I felt the children had missed out on the experience of live performance and the memories made, so I thought – ‘I know...Mr McKay’s farm’.
“I said to him back in September ‘picture the scene and you can say no’.
“There was a pause but he came back with so many great ideas.
“All the magical ideas visitors saw were his.”
She added: “I’m really so proud of the children.
“I do have an idea for next year but I want to have all the children involved from the start.”
Macduff Parish Church minister Hugh O’Brien also attended and said a few words about how “wonderful” the day had been, while Mr McKay was presented with a carved plaque as a thank you for hosting the event.
He was not the only one to be presented with a special gift, however.
Forty years ago, Marjory Nicholson first welcomed readers to Macduff’s new library on High Street as a Saturday girl – a job that was perfect for a lover of books and words.
Over the years, generations have enjoyed her book recommendations and assistance with local history and family tree research.
She has also made special connections with Macduff Primary School, and held an afternoon homework club for the P7s – creating a bond with many of those who attended.
Now ready to retire, Mrs Nicholson attended the nativity and was given a very special send-off, including a “little book of gratitude” made by the children.