Wick nativity scene inspires father's Christmas poem
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A striking nativity scene stretching along church railings in Wick has inspired the creator's father to write a festive ditty.
Mathilde Darmady (18) and her father, Peter, are members of the St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church on Moray Street.
With little in the way of festive cheer to brighten up the church due to Covid restrictions, Mathilde got to work cutting out a variety of animals and figures representing Biblical scenes from the birth of Jesus.
The Star of Bethlehem from the Gospel of Matthew lights the way for the three wise men to make their way towards the baby Jesus who glows a bright yellow in His manger.
Mathilde is well-known for her artistic pursuits and recently received a much-needed boost from the Highland arts community by way of financial support and mentoring.
"My dad wanted a nativity scene and I couldn't say no," she said.
"There was time pressure to get it drawn, cut, painted and installed so I did a quick design which was economical with material."
She said that the design was "obvious and easy to draw" and that the "low-effort art" can be reused, varied in layout and added to if needed. Though it may not be deemed historically accurate, the young artist has even introduced a "Wick scorrie" (seagull) to look over Jesus in his manger.
Peter Darmady, a teacher at Wick High School, said that he was so delighted with his daughter's artistic endeavours that it inspired him to pen a special festive poem in celebration.
'Twas the month before Christmas, when all through the land,
Folk were decorating the streets to make Wick look grand.
The Priory of St John’s took heed from above,
That there be an outdoor scene to reflect our God’s love.
A Nativity scene was the thing and plans were entreated,
But two weeks went by with nothing completed.
No plans! And just two weeks! O what shall we do?
Said the industrious, but puzzled, Nativity crew.
“I know just the person," said one of the band.
“Mathilde Darmady’s an artist and so creative a hand!”
So she set to with pencil and dashed off a scene,
With shepherds and kings and animals between.
Evening-time saw the cutting of Joseph and Mary,
With time running on there was no time to tarry.
So camels and donkey and collie and sheep,
Did emerge from the saw though the frost was so deep.
With some wood left over the cutter did worry,
What to do with the rest? “Oh yes! A Wick scorrie!”
By day did the Prior set to with white gloss brush,
Jesus done with glorious gold – but in a bit of a rush.
So the team worked at St John’s church before Christmas Night
Finishing their Nativity held to the railings tight.
Thus saying, despite Covid, and trying fourth Tier,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Happy New Year!”
Young creatives receive funding from Highland arts community
