The creative people at Ramsey Baptist Church (RBC) and their friends have been busily stitching penguins for their annual shop window competition. In previous years it has been knitted woolly sheep and tree decorations.
But this year it is the turn of the penguins and they will be hiding in shop windows in Ramsey.
Penguin Hunt
This is a free competition for the whole community with 60 hand-stitched penguins dressed for winter sports hiding in the shops. You're invited to see how many you can find. Entry forms can be obtained from participating shops and Ramsey Town Library - the latter has a special Penguin Post Box for completed entries. Every entry wins a prize and you don't have to find all 60 penguins. The competition runs until noon on Friday 19th December when all the penguins will be rounded up for the Penguin Parade.
Penguin Parade and Igloo Challenge
Another free RBC event, this time in the Ramsey Town Hall Atrium from 10-4 on Saturday 20th December, when there will be a variety of festive activities. The centrepiece will be the Penguin Parade with all 60 penguins displayed on the RBC iceberg and every competition entrant can come and collect a prize. There will be an Igloo Challenge where children can help to build an igloo from recycled plastic milk bottles through the day. There will also be children's craft activities including opportunity to make penguin tree decorations, nativity scene and some Scratch Art tree decorations. Plus balloon-modelling, story-telling and carols each hour with Ramsey Town Band alternating with guitar carols by RBC. Add in a number of colourful festive displays including a beautiful knitted nativity, some free seasonal nibbles and juices for everyone, and hot chocolate with marshmallows for the children. It all promises to be a lovely day just before Christmas and where everything is FREE!
Community Carol Singing
It is now an established RBC tradition to visit local housing estates in December to sing carols and distribute small Christmas gifts. It's to benefit the local community and no money is asked for our accepted but people are welcome to join in with the singing if they wish.
Family Nativity Celebration
This is being held in Bunscoill Rhumsaa's Auldyn Hall at 10.30am on Sunday 21st December. Come along for an informal children's nativity with carols and all the penguins. All ages are welcomed. Followed by free coffee, juices, hot chocolate and marshmallows, Christmas nibbles and chocolates.
Christmas Carols and Celebration
Sunday 28 December in Bunscoill Rhumsaa's Auldyn Hall at 10.30am. Special children's programmes. Unsupervised crèche area.