DISPLAYS depicting the various gifts given in the song “12 Days of Christmas” were shown around Crediton Methodist Church on Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14, beginning in the foyer with a Partridge in a Pear Tree, right through to 12 Drummers Drumming.

Jan Underhill with Drummers Drumming. AQ 9895
Jan Underhill with Drummers Drumming. AQ 9895 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Marjorie Ashley with Maids a Milking. AQ 9887
Marjorie Ashley with Maids a Milking. AQ 9887 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
John Ashley with Swans a Swimming. AQ 9884
John Ashley with Swans a Swimming. AQ 9884 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The exact origins of the song are unknown but it is probable that it is from a children’s memory and forfeit game.

There is speculation that each gift symbolises an aspect of Christianity but there is no evidence to confirm this.

Bronwyn Nott with Ladies Dancing. AQ 9907
Bronwyn Nott with Ladies Dancing. AQ 9907 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Meg Ellis with Calling Birds and Gold Rings. AQ 9901
Meg Ellis with Calling Birds and Gold Rings. AQ 9901 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The exhibition will be repeated on Friday, December 20 from 10am to 12 noon and on Saturday, December 21 from 10am to 2pm when soup and roll lunches will be available. Do go along and see all the various displays – admission is free.

Turtle Doves by Elizabeth Greenslade. AQ 9923
Turtle Doves by Elizabeth Greenslade. AQ 9923 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A warm welcome also awaits you at Crediton Methodist Church Carol Service on December 22 at 4pm, at the Christmas Eve Communion Service at 6.30pm and on Christmas morning at 10am. Happy Christmas.

Bronwyn Nott