The Nativity scene which has stood in the heart of Sherborne every Christmas for 70 years has been replaced, thanks to the generosity and kindness of Kathryn Ballisat in memory of her brother.

A captivating new collection of 11 figures depicting the Holy family, Angel Gabriel, the three Wise Men, lambs and cattle have been beautifully crafted from moulded plaster of Paris to create the lovely Nativity scene, which stands in the Conduit.

Kathryn so appreciated the interest and pleasure derived from the stable scene, which has been organised by the Sherborne Castles Rotary Club every Christmas, she resolved to upgrade it, inspired after seeing a new collection at Castle Gardens. Kathryn said: “It has been a great comfort to me to donate this new Nativity scene in memory of my dear brother.Since he and I came to live in Sherborne, each year we had admired the hard work and dedication of the Rotary Club of Sherborne Castles in putting up the Nativity scene, the very heart of Christmas, in the heart of the town.”

Joint President of The Rotary Club of Sherborne Castles Mike Hatch said: “The club members are extremely grateful for her kind thought, as will be local people who come to visit. Due to her generosity this year there will be a brand new collection of figures including all the Holy family and the animals from the stable – 11 in all. Having lost her beloved brother earlier this year she would like the whole scene to be dedicated to his memory so that he will be remembered for many years to come.”

IN LOVING MEMORY: Kathryn Ballisat’s gift of a new Nativity scene in memory of her brother

Sherborne Castles Rotary Club organised the first crib scene to stand on the Parade in the town in 1952. On Christmas Eve, several choirs accompanied by Sherborne Boys Brigade Band gave a concert and sang carols around the crib and the Christmas tree, which was donated by Sherborne Castles Estates. The Rotary Club raised £44 from a collection to distribute coal and eggs to 50 people in need in Sherborne.

In 1978, Dorset District Council granted the request from Rotarians for permission to use the Conduit to house and protect the crib and figures from the Christmas story.
Rotarian Sid Hamblin made the three wooden panels, which are fitted to the alcoves painted by art teacher Ian Stuart Robertson and updated three years ago by The Gryphon school’s head of art, Michael Fenton-Wilkinson.

The clothes and props for the figures were made and fitted by Rotarians and volunteers from the Sherborne community.
After some unfortunate incidents of vandalism, the crib scene was protected by a steel mesh.
Mike said: “After several incidents of vandalism it was necessary to fit a steel mesh screen to prevent access, especially after the stuffed donkey, given by Castle Gardens, was found abandoned late one night in Hospital Lane. Bill Butters generously offered to provide and fit a glass viewing window, which enabled everyone to view the crib scene more easily.”

The Rotarians also built a manhole next to the Conduit, for the Christmas tree which takes pride of place next to the crib scene every year. Mike added: “Over the many years the generosity of the public, who have appreciated the opportunity to see the Holy family and hear carols, have given money which has been contributed to the Voluntary Ambulance, Friends of The Yeatman Hospital, Tinney’s Youth club and the local hospices.”

This year, the money collected will go to the local foodbank.

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