We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.
01/12/2008
Primary school children will be the first to see a nativity scene, believed to be the only one of its kind in the UK, when it is displayed in full for one day only before Christmas Day.
The recycled nativity display, which has been created specially for The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne, from waste items donated by Northumbrian Water, is to be seen in full for the first time by more than 300 North East schoolchildren aged seven to nine at a special nativity service.
The Canon for Education and Learning, the Revd Canon Robert Gage, selected young apprentices from North Tyneside Education Business Partnership to create this year’s nativity scene after being impressed by the idea of creating a recycled work of art.
The nativity was created during the October half-term break by 31 BTEC Art & Design young apprentices, aged 14 and 15, from Seaton Burn College in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Norham Community Technology College in North Shields and George Stephenson High School in Killingworth. The year 10 and 11 apprentices have created the nativity with designer Richard Liddle, who works with recycled materials.
Northumbrian Water supplied all materials for the project, including 1650 plastic sample bottles, 1200 plastic bottle tops and three bales of cardboard.
Reporters and photographers are invited to the Diocese of Newcastle schools’ nativity service at The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne on Wednesday December 3, 2008 at 10.30am, where the nativity scene will be unveiled for the first time.
Interviews will be available before the 11am service with The Very Reverend Chris Dalliston, Dean of Newcastle, young apprentices from North Tyneside Education Business Partnership, Northumbrian Water’s facilities manager Dave Whiteley and year four pupils aged eight and nine from Archbishop Runcie Church of England First School in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, who will be the first pupils to view the recycled nativity.
The Dean of Newcastle, the Very Reverend Chris Dalliston, said: “The nativity scene is traditionally placed, piece by piece, in St. Margaret’s Chapel opposite the north entrance of the cathedral, from the first day of advent (Sunday November 30, 2008) until the final piece, the Baby Jesus, is laid into his crib during Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
“As this year’s nativity was created by young people, and as it has a special message behind it this year, that of being resourceful where we can, it seems appropriate to display it in full at the nativity service for the children to view. I’m sure it will be well received.”
Dave Whiteley, facilities manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “This project has been a win-win situation for everyone. There have been no material costs for North Tyneside Education Business Partnership and the cathedral has a novel work of art on display, which I’m sure the kids at the service are going to love. At the end of the Christmas period, it will be a case of ‘away with the manger’, as Northumbrian Water will be taking the entire nativity scene away – for recycling once again!”
Julie Robson, headteacher of Archbishop Runcie first school in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, one of the schools taking part in the service, said: “Christmas is a celebration and also an opportunity to think about the contribution we each make for the future. Through the work that we do on ecology and stewardship in school, the children understand the value and importance of recycling and the recycled nativity is an imaginative example of this in action. We are all excited about the service and the chance to see the completed nativity.”
Chantelle Oliver, aged 14, from Seaton Burn College in Newcastle Upon Tyne, one of the young apprentices who created the nativity, said: “I really enjoyed working on the project. It was very hard work but the end result is worth it.
“I think it’s a good idea to use recycled materials as it helps reduce our carbon footprint. When people look at it, they should think about how they can re-use everyday things to help reduce their own carbon footprint. I am sure that the nativity will be liked and it will certainly be a talking point that makes people think.”
For further information please contact Leanne Clough on 0191 301 6733.