ALTRINCHAM Court Leet’s Annual Carol Service at St Margaret’s Church, Altrincham was a light-hearted

Affair led by the Vicar, the Reverend Jerry Sutton

In his sermon, he waved a Light Sabre to illustrate characters from Star Wars from goodies, Princess Leia and the Jedi knights to baddy, Darth Vader to illustrate good and evil in this world.

Among the more amusing items was a skit on the Seven Days of Christmas read by Alderman David Eastman. It was originally recorded by Eddie Stobart workers for Help the Heroes.

The court Leet Christmas Message was delivered by Alderman Denise Laver, President of the Guild of Freemen of Altrincham.

She said that the first nativity scene was created in 1223 – 57 years before Altrincham received its charter.

She was concerned that the nativity usually erected by the clock in Altrincham, in front of the Town Hall or in Grafton Mall, had disappeared.

The Court Leet were actively searching.

She hoped everyone would shine out and bring peace to our broken world.

The Rev Danny Crosby from Altrincham Unitarian Chapel spoke of the Joy of Christmas.

The Altrincham Islamic Centre was represented by Elinor Chohan who quoted a passage from the Koran which deals with Mary (Miriam) and the birth of Jesus.

Young people representing North Cestrian College, Altrincham Air Training Corps and the Jabberwocks, actively contributed to readings, etc.

Two ladies danced and mimed their way through despite the cutting off of their background music.

Guest of Honour was James Ross. The Lord Mayor of Hale in Merseyside.