The Headmaster of Our Lady’s School in Abingdon, Mr Gibbons, was visiting for the afternoon and he accompanied me to the production.

As the tableau was assembled, the kings and shepherds, the Holy Family, and the angels, crowded in front of the gold-painted Altar, Mr Gibbons looked at me and said, “I don’t think I have ever seen such a wonderful setting for a Nativity!” Indeed, it was rather more elaborate than the original stable but I did think what a privilege it is for us to have a Cathedral as our School Chapel. I had seen the dress rehearsal and there had been a few missed lines and slightly quiet voices. However, for the performance itself, things were completely different. The boys and girls performed with the confidence of actors in a Hollywood epic, their voices ringing around the building. It was not surprising that they were greeted with thunderous applause at the end.

'May I thank all the Pre Prep and Nursery staff for what they achieved, and in particular I wish to thank Ms Biddell and Miss Farmer for masterminding the performance', Mr Murray.