General News
20 December, 2023
Cobden Men's Shed tradition continues
TEN years ago, Camperdown's Benedictine Abbey worked with the Cobden Men's Shed to create a set of figures for a paddock-based nativity scene.
Today, the scene is back up again to give residents and holiday-makers a glance into the religious meaning of Christmas.
Superior of the Benedictine Abbey Sister Raphael Stone said it was the Abbey’s idea as a way to give a gift to the local community.
“Christmas, of course, is all about Christ coming to live among us; as we’re a rural farming community, the idea of Christ present there in the paddock was also part of the original thinking for it all,” she said.
“We just wanted to have the real meaning, the depths of Christmas to be able to give out to the people of the town.”
“Now erected for the 10th time, the Christmas crib scene in the front paddock of the Anglican Benedictine Abbey began as an idea of Sister Raphael.
“A novice monk drew the figures, and our friends Les James and Murray Ibbs cut the figures and made them erectable.”
Cobden Men’s Shed president Murray Ibbs said the tradition began in November 2013 on Sister Stone’s invitation, with members of the Men’s Shed cutting out the figures.
“Cobden Men’s Shed became (more) involved in 2015 with doing some repairs to the scene; some of the figures, due to the weather conditions, needed to be repaired. Cobden Men’s Shed have been involved ever since,” he said.
“The nativity scene, over the years, has definitely changed.
“Sister Raphael has said there’s been a few comments from people who have passed by on the road.
“I think it’s a good little bit of PR for the Abbey, and it’s giving back to the community over the Christmas period.”
Sister Stone said she was grateful for the work of the Cobden Men’s Shed.
“They helped to cut out the figures in the first place, and every year they come to put it up and take it down and maintain the figures,” she said.
“They’re excellent if I have some other ideas about it. Last year, we extended the height of the star, but they worked it all out and they did it all.
“I’m very grateful and reliant on the Cobden Men’s Shed.
“The Abbey are very grateful to the men that have been involved and have given their time and talents from the inception to now, the 10th year, of the paddock crib.”
Over the years, the ‘paddock crib’ has evolved into an illuminated display for travelers to see both day and night.
Changes have included raising the star, renewal of the angel and three wise men figures, and the addition and maintenance of solar-powered lights.
The lights provide cool and warm white light for night-time viewing.
Sister Stone said the combined efforts between the Abbey and the Men’s Shed have allowed both parties to present the nativity scene each year.
“It is a joy for the Abbey and the Cobden Men’s Shed to work together to present the simplicity and profoundness of the Christmas story in the tableau for all to see,” she said.
“We hope those who look at the Christmas crib will be aware of the love of God reaching out to enfold and bless each one.
“The Abbey wishes everyone the blessings of Christmas.”
The Abbey invites the community to its Christmas Eucharist at 9.30pm on Christmas Eve, which will be held at the Abbey church.