Two thousand and fourteen years ago a grey bearded man, famed for his ability to tell a good story, sat surrounded by children who gazed up in wonder as he concluded his tale:
Within moments of May Ray climbing on to the plastic covered mattress of the hospital bed and taking the precious bundle from Joe, a midwife and paediatric nurse had arrived at the plant room, as though flown there by some magical force. They carried sealed packs and one brought several large white towels. Another porter arrived and was dispatched again, only to return after 5 minutes with oxygen cylinders and an incubator for new born babies. Each one who came looked intently at the baby and then briefly at the mother and then went about their business.
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Converging on the plant room from various locations in the East Block came three senior doctors. Of three different racial origins, these seemed to represent the combined wisdom and caring nature of humanity. The anaesthetist arriving first checked the vital signs of the baby and when satisfied turned his attention to May Ray. The midwife took a clamp and cutter from one pack and decisively parted the baby from the afterbirth, which by now had been delivered. The nurse and paediatrician plugged in and set up the incubator. And still porters continued to arrive with sheets, pillows and bowls. The obstetrician arrived and was quickly able to see that there was nothing for him to do, yet his presence seemed to give great comfort to the midwife.
All those who gathered in and around the plant room knew their roles. Very little was said between them or even to May Ray and Joe. Each was aware of calmness, but each one knew they were suppressing an intense excitement that would soon bubble forth when they would tell others about the incredible and special scene of which they had been such an important part.
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Come and see the Cribs at St James Church Chipping Campden Tuesday 2nd December to Saturday 6th December 2014