by Stephen Cook, Team Rector of Okehampton and Northmoor One of my favourite moments of Christmas is at the crib service on Christmas Eve when, having put all the figures in the crib, we gather the children round it, turn down all the lights and sing ?Away in a Manger?. It is one of those times when there seems to be very little between us and God himself. In one sense, ?Away in a Manger? is a bit sentimental: I am sure Little Lord Jesus cried like any other child, but it seems to capture the spirit of Christmas and transports us all back to singing it when we were children. ?Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me for ever and love me, I pray?. Only the most hardened cynic could not want that for their children or for themselves, if only it could be true. The Christmas message is that at the heart of this vast and extraordinary universe is a God who made us, who loves us and is near to us. The little children at the crib service want to reach out and touch. It?s perfectly natural and it?s there in all of us; that desire to reach out for the God who is near us, close by us for ever. Whoever you are, whatever you?ve done you can do that. The baby in the manger is God?s message to you. On behalf of all the churches in the town I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Christmas and every blessing in 2006.
by Cllr Tony Leech, Mayor of Okehampton IT hardly feels like a year has gone by since Sue and I were visiting the hospital and care homes within the town last Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the doctors, nurses and care workers for the wonderful work that they all do in looking after the elderly and sick in our community. I would also like to thank all the people of Okehampton for their support with the special events we have had in the town this year. The Okehampton Show was not only the 100th show, but one of the best attended ever. The turnout for Trafalgar Day, the carnival and Edwardian Evening shows that there really is a good community spirit within the town. It has been a great privilege to have been able to represent Okehampton as mayor for the last two years, and it is something I will be proud of for the rest of my life. I have made a lot of good friends. I do regret not being able to save the Carlton Cinema, but I trust that our proposal to convert the Market Hall into a two/three screen cinema will have beneficial effects on the town, and it is hoped that if it does go ahead, the cinema will be called the ?New Carlton Cinema? in memory of the old building Finally, Sue and I would like to wish you all the very best wishes for the festive season. and we hope that the New Year will be a healthy, happy and prosperous one for everyone. Tony Leech Mayor of Okehampton