Bridlington Advent Beach Huts 2011

Welcome...

2020-11-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

WOW! What an advent that was! 2011 was our best year yet. So many of you joined us for our annual journey through the season of advent, stumbling though the darkness to the amazing light of Christmas!

We hope to run the project next year, but we will need a lot more community help to make it happen as some of our team are moving away, so if you can offer ANY support please contact

thepartycanstart@yahoo.co.uk

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped, cooked, cleaned, prayed, coloured, stuck, sang, knitted, rapped, created, photographed, puppeted, told stories, and made this advent so an amazing communal experience.

This exciting project will be running every night from the first to 24 December between 6pm and 7 pm we will be retelling the famous story of the Nativity in the lead up to Christmas in new fresh, fun and interactive ways, using the gifts and talents of local people to delve into the issues that this timeless story tells.....

Keep your eyes on the local press for more details of all the events to come we hope you can come and join us and take some time out from the madness to find some stillness and peace!

Beach huts Christmas Eve - The party can start!

2011-12-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was the last one, as the celebrations can now begin as Advent is over and as of 12am Christmas begins!!!!

I would just like to say a huge thank yo to everyone who has supported this years project in many many different ways! It has been an awesome journey though this dark, holy and mysterious season into the celebrations of Christmas !!!! Thanks to all who gave their time, gifts and talents, you have shown be Christ in ways i never knew existed!

It's awesome the see that Christ doesn't just look like a baby at this time of year but rather i have seen him in many different people as they have given of themselves for the good of others!

And so may the joy of the angels,  the eagerness of the shepherds,  the perseverance of the wise men,  the obedience of Joseph and Mary,  and the peace of the Christ child  be yours this Christmas;  and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,  be among you and remain with you and all those you love both now and always.  Amen.

Beach huts night 23 - the light of the world is coming

2011-12-24T08:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was put together by Barbara Hodgeson, who taught us how to make star biscuits as well as having the chance to create some candles and 3D stars.

The theme of the night being that as the Christ child is the light of the world, everything that give us light reminds us that we no longer walk in darkness....

Beach huts night 22 - The angels sang peace and good will to all

2011-12-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

The digital Christmas card for our armed services...

Tonight's beach hut was a very special. We had a local Bag pipe band who inspired the military theme of the evening.. The night was dedicated to our service men and women who are serving abroad and will not be home for Christmas.

So we also filmed everyone who came down (and there was over 100 people tonight) asking them to give a message to those men and women who are serving abroad and will not be home for Christmas. creating a digital Christmas card that we will upload on to Youtube, so that hopefully some may see it this Christmas time.

So here's to everyone who will be making sacrifices for others this Christmas time, the gift of giving to others no matter how small does not go unnoticed by God.

Thank you and peace be with you.

Beach huts night 21 - the angels sang to the shepherds

2011-12-22T01:49:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was a real treat, we had Laura Bancroft who sang us into the night just like a real angel!!! Laura sang some beautiful tunes both christmasy and soulful!

Beach hut night 20 - the angels appeared to the shepherds

2011-12-21T02:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach was was created by Emmanuel playgroup with the theme of angels and shepherds. This part of the story always amazes me. That a group of people sat in darkness (in more ways than one!) are suddenly propelled into a bright light and the history books.

Normal unholy people are chosen to play such a major role in God's story.... it gives me hope if nothing else !

The playgroup had spent all week making huge angels and sheep to fill the hut which were then put up around a digital video of the angel appearing to the shepherds, with a backing track of sufjan stevens playing in the background.

Beach huts night 19 - the wise men didn't return to Herod but instead left telling everyone about the baby

2011-12-20T01:43:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was all about the wise men, who were told in a dream not to go back to Herod, who had asked them to tell him were the Christ child was so that he could get rid of him.

We had Val Norton who painted all the kids faces as disguises, as the wise men would have had to sneak out of the country.

We also had a digital video loop of the wise men's journey....

Beach huts night 18 - The kings were warned not to go back to Herod

2011-12-19T07:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was again a creative and theatrical affair, with songs from St Mary's school choir, and also some crateive wire and metal work from loacl lad Zac Mills-Cray.

Zac had designed some ICHTHUS fish, the fish were a sign to others that the early Christian believers used to communicate without putting themselves in danger of exposing their beliefs to the ruling and oppressive Roman rulers.

As the kings / wise men were told in a dream that they should not return to tell Herod where the baby had been born the feelings of persecution and oppression come through the story. Many in the UK today do not know what it is like to live under such fear and oppression, but as we have seen in many places in the world this year 1000's of people have stood up to those who wish to use the power they have for their own selfish beliefs.

So at this time of year let us remember and pray for those who have lost loved ones and for whom this Christmas time will not be a source of joy.

Beach huts night 17 - They slept rough in a stable,with only a manger that would become a crib

2011-12-18T01:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was created by Mary Fawcett . The theme was boxes, and she spent the night teaching us how to make small gift boxes just out of paper. It's amazing what different uses for a box the human race has found over the centuries. Now a days grown ups use them to wrap expensive presents in and children use them to play with whist ignoring the items inside!

Tonight's theme allowed us to think about what Mary and Joseph might have done when they finally found somewhere to stay. Priority would have been Mary and trying to find her some comfort, but then thoughts would have turned to preparing the humble surroundings for the imminent arrival of the new baby. So a box was cleaned out, much to the disgust of the local animal contingent!

So God arrives and is put in a box, how apt! after all God is much easier to deal with when we keep him in a box !

Beach hut night 16 - Mary and Joseph found a stable

2011-12-17T08:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was an amazing ‘Knitivity’ Lynne Henderson has been knitting for months had created a life sized knitted donkey as well as a knitted knitting angel, and a knitted baby Jesus with a Christmas stocking hanging on the end his manger filled with gold, frankincense and myrrh! Lynne had also created some knitted fluffy snow balls which were great fun.

I am constantly humble by the way in which people give of their time gifts and talents for this whole project ! And all for free! In many ways I think that the beach huts become much more than opening doors, waiting, re telling stories, in the end it is about people making new stories, creating memories sharing and investing in each other, stories just like this famous story that will be retold many times in the future when it come to this time of year.

Beach huts night 15 - Finding somewhere to stay

2011-12-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight’s Beach hut was all about making sure that we think about others, especially at this time of year. Andrea Jones set up a story corner and told the story of little robin red vest (written by Jan Fearnley) The story is about a little Robin who helps every other animal at his own expense.

We also had the opportunity to create some little robins of our own !

Beach huts night 14 - Herod sent the Kings to Bethlehem

2011-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight’s beach hut was created by Bridlington’s Boys Brigade. They told the story of Magi and their journey together following the star! They were tremendously creative and also led us in a few carols.

Beach huts day 13 - The wise men arrive in Jerusalem

2011-12-14T01:55:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Beach hut was puppetry master class! with a whole host of different puppets telling all sorts of varying bits of the nativity story as well as singing some very jazzy versions of Christmas carols.

Although the weather had turned very wintry we still had a great turn out and now with over half way though the project gone we can see the star descending in the distance!

Beach huts night 12 - The wise men carried gifts of gold Frankincense and myrrh

2011-12-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was all based around giving gifts, as the wise men packed up their gifts to take to the Christ child. giving gifts is something that we automatically do each Christmas, i guess, most of the time without questioning. Lee Kirkby from Beverley minster created a gift giving night. with the John Lewis advert playing in the back ground people where offered a fee gift which consisted of a pack of love hearts which you could then give away to different people, and also some questions about what gifts you could give that would really make a difference to someone else's life....
So if you could really make a difference for someone else what would be the gift that you give?

John Lewis advert

Beach huts night 11 - The wise men set off from the East

2011-12-12T02:41:00.001-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was a Feast from the East! Rich our local chef produced and amazing Eastern Banquet for us tonight. The food the wise men may well have eaten. He had researched and created some incredible Persian food that was shared out very liberally with all who came down to the beach huts.

Beach hut night 10 - The wise men saw the star

2011-12-12T02:25:00.001-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was created by Ben Walker a local professional photographer (check out his site here http://www.gallerinostudio.com).

There is not too much known about the wise men / Magi / kings in the story. There are stories the exist about them but they are largely anonymous. this led then to thinking about who would these people be if this story was played out today?

Ben brought down some 'wise guy' mustaches and everyone individually put one on and had their photo taken as a wise guy / gal.

Beach huts night 9 - The family stop and rest for a while

2011-12-11T02:20:00.001-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was turned in to a local music venue with a live performance from 'Big Me' an awesomely talented local group who, in true rock and roll style braved the freezing cold to perform some great tunes.

As we have being building up the beach hut project over the past three years, one of the most poignant things we have experienced is the real tangible sense of community that builds as we gather each night. Tonight was a celebration of that. Talking to the lead singer during the week he explained that he loved the fact that the project was there for everyone no matter what faith or belief or no belief you have.

For me personally i am so blessed that people are willing to give of themselves, their time, gifts and talents in order to enrich others lives at no gain to themselves. For me this tells the deeper story of advent. That as we wait for Christmas and the arrival of the Christ child, waiting is so much more fun when we do it with others!

Beach huts Night 8 - Mary and Joseph continue on thier journey

2011-12-11T02:05:00.001-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was designed and created by the lovely people from Emmanuel church Bridlington. They took the theme of travelling and journeying and allowed us to think about what it might have been like for the Holy family as the travelled the road to Bethlehem. They brought down a display of things that Mary and Joseph might have taken and what the equivalent a modern family would have to take today.

It was amaing to think about just how much stuff we would take today and how little they would have had.... Sat navs, cars, baby, seats, cots, cribs, clothes, food, money, and a few other 1000 things.

But to set off only knowing your destination, and even then not knowing if there would be anywhere to stay, highlights just what an amazing story this is beginning to be!

Beach huts night 7 - The Holy family set off for Bethlehem

2011-12-07T12:16:00.001-08:00

As the journey to Bethlehem starts the Holy family set off on the long trip on dusty sandy roads. So tonight's beach hut was filled with sand against a back drop of a silhouetted Bethlehem skyline. The concept was dreamed up by 5 year old Fletcher Hines !!!

The real journey would have covered a distance of about 80 miles which could have taken a week or more, and would have been a very dangerous journey for a pregnant woman to make. Again just another thought about just how incredible this story is !!

Beach huts night 6 - Joseph dreamt about Jesus

2011-12-07T11:37:00.001-08:00

Tonight we thought about how Joseph, (who was worried about having to break the news to family and friends that he would have to call off his relationship with Mary because she was pregnant) and how God told him in a dream that everything was going to be ok because God was in control.

Tonight's Hut was thought up by 8 year old Joshua. His idea was to get people to write or draw their dreams in a dream bubble, one dream they have for Christmas and one dream they have for a better world. We then hung the dreams in the hut for everyone to read.

Night 5 - The Angel came to Mary with great news!

2011-12-06T03:26:00.001-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was inspired by one of Brighton's beach huts last year... With two large sparkling angel wings haning in the hut we needed to find some angels, which i think we managed... what do you think? As the bible says "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13.2

Beach hut night 4 - Joseph's workshop

2011-12-05T06:46:00.001-08:00

Tonight's hut focused on Joseph. A man who we know was a carpenter. He may well have had his own workshop, a place to meet with people to work and spend his days.

We had a local joiner /carpenter Lawrey who set up shop in the hut and spent the night the younger ones what the tools he learnt his trade with all did. Many of them having now been replaced by modern electric tools.

The way in which his knowledge and skills were displayed, made me reflect on how much time Joseph would have spent with the young Jesus in his work shop passing on skills and no long forgotten techniques that could only have been learnt as a father spent time with his son.

There are been a real peacefulness to the atmosphere at the huts past 2 nights, and many have also commented on the community feel of those gathered in the darkest coldest nights of the year. Maybe Advent is not just about waiting but also about waiting with others. Not something we would always choose to do these days....

Beach hut night 3 - It's all about Mary....

2011-12-03T12:36:00.001-08:00

tonight's theme was all about Mary... thinking about her story, that is sometimes looked over because of everything else that is going on in the story. But this very young woman who could have lived a very ordinary assistance suddenly finds herself in a very extra ordinary place because of a meeting with God.

How often does God end up changing our ordinary into extra ordinary? How often do we think about God coming to find us rather than us going to find him?

The beach hut tonight was filled with a mosaic created at last years beach huts by Niccii Hines, with the story of Mary written out by Becky Norton. People were asked to follow the story and reflect on what they might have done in Mary's situation...

The Romans ! Night 2

2011-12-02T11:32:00.001-08:00

Tonight we thought about the oppression of the Roman Empire during the time of this story. (I mean what have the Romans ever done for us?)

The beach hut was created by Adrian and Charlotte from Electric Angel Art studio in Scarborough ( @electric_angel ). Their idea was to fill the beach hut to the top with balloons with the word oppression written on them, as the doors were opened the balloons fell out and as people grabbed one they were ask to think about something in their lives they feel oppressed by. They were then invited to burst the balloon and as they did they received a message inside it.

As the wall of balloons gradually dispersed the huge letters of the Hebrew word Shalom (meaning 'Peace') were revealed.

Hope often appears in ways we least expect it to. One young girl who had come down for the first time, told me that she is having an operation tomorrow, which she has been really worries about. She had taken a balloon and as she burst it the message read "You have nothing to fear."

The First night...

2011-12-02T00:43:00.001-08:00

What an amazing night !!!! Thank you to everyone who turned out to see the amazing SkyBlue ( @SkyBlueOfficial ) Open the beach huts in style!

If this is the bar by which this years huts are going to be, it is going to be an amazing year!

What always get to me is the way in which the atmosphere is so open and friendly with people mixing and chatting, kids playing and a real sense of community that imiedately builds with everyone who comes!

Beach huts -1...

2011-11-30T06:44:00.001-08:00

One day to go and everything is set up ready for tomorrow nights big launch!!!!

Come on down and join in the fun as we kick off this years beach huts!

there is will hot soup and hot chocolate for everyone!

6pm - 7pm at Beach hut No 1

Twitter: @beachhutno1

Day 24: And people all around the world celebrate the birth of a baby

2011-01-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

The day had finally arrived ! Christmas eve and the last night for the beach huts for 2010.

I am writing this on 4th Jan with a little time to reflect on the whole project, but i will come to that in a moment.

The weather was again a winter wonderland as people began to arrive, we started the night with a local singer called Chris Horton, Chris led us in singing Silent night as we opened the hut, and as we did this people brought and laid to light lanterns at the door of the hut in expectation of the coming light in the form of a baby.

We had a moment or two of stillness and silence with the gathered crowd to think about all those that we have the Christmas to think about what peace meant in our own lives before the party began.

We then blessed by Bridlington's classic pop singers who led as in all the traditional classic Christmas pop songs just as it started to snow. We had a forecast of a nativity including Roman soldiers, Shepherds, donkeys, Angels and a rather scary King Herod!

Richard again provided some amazing food with a spicy hot soup some Muled wine stolen mince pies and. There was a truly great atmosphere and a fantastic way to start Christmas.

So, to reflecting on the beach huts this year.... Many people ask me if it was good, if it was worth it, if it was a success?

I am not sure what the answer is to any of them questions if i am being truly honest. a lot of it shuts and I guess I measure anything I do ministry wise with a question would I come to this if I wasn't running it, and for me that answer has always been yes. throughout the month we met many different people from many different walks of life, and in talking to them the beach huts stirred up different feelings thoughts and emotions. I don't know what it is that makes a project like this success, is it how many people come? Is it how much press coverage to be get? Is it how much money is spent or is made? Is it how many people end up coming to church? Well if it's the latter I don't think we would do it again!

It seems to me that there are connections, and connections that go on more than just a brief hello, the connections at times can be deep and brief, and other times the conversations continue.

I think for a project like the beach huts there is so much going on on so many different levels with so many different people it's hard to give a measure to any of it.

but then on the other hand I guess that's the deal, as we journey through life we will meet many people we will share many different experiences but to have the chance to stop, pause, think, reflect is a very wonderful and precious gift and to do that with others and with strangers is a truly amazing privilege.

So for those of you that have followed our story throughout events into Christmas and are now reading this in the New Year may the peace of God be yours and may you find some amazing people to share that peace with in the coming year.

Ben.

Bridlington Advent Beach huts 2010

2010-12-24T02:49:00.000-08:00

Bridlington's answer to Jedward!

Day 23: more guests arrived at the crib

2010-12-24T02:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was filled with music! We had two singer song writers booked, but sadly Ali Crompton could not make it due to illness, so our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family Ali and hope you are all well for Christmas!

But we did enjoy the talents of Ben Parcell, Ben who played on the first night of the beach huts came back and wowed a cold crowd with his own original material, and gave away some free copies of his new CD Humble beginnings (which can also be found on iTunes).

So as the beach huts near their end, we hope to start Christmas with a party on Christmas eve, so if you have a tea towel and dressing gown or any other suitable attire come dressed up and join the party!

Bridlington's digital Christmas card to our armed forces

2010-12-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

tonight's Beach hut was a truly spectacular event, and has to be one of the best so far this year! We had a full bag pipe and drum band who led some amazing Christmas tunes....

Tonight's theme was all about "Peace on Earth and good will to all men." So we also stop to think and pray for our armed forces who will not be home for Christmas, we have made a digital Christmas card which you can see above.

Thank you for all who came down to support us and created a very special atmosphere !

Day 21: The Angels Sang!

2010-12-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight we were treated to some real singing angels, in the form of pupils from St Mary's school, who braved temperatures of -10 to lead us in some classic Christmas Carols!

There was also a really good crowd down to support them who made a great attempt at finishing off 5 gallons of hot chocolate that we had made because the weather had been so cold!

The school had also spent time making and decorating angels that now adorn the beach at with two giant shepherds and a very sparkly angel everything is looking very very Christmassy at the moment and we look forward to the next couple of nights when hopefully the weather might allow us to have a little bit more fun!

Day 20: In the hills near by some shepherds saw angels in the sky!

2010-12-21T02:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut was all about the shepherds, is so we had a beach hut full of sheep! And to amazingly painted shepherds and a very sparkly angel.

Lynne Henderson created an amazing array of sheep using real wool, we also had craft workshops so people could make their own sheep and sheep hats to take home. Lynne had done a fantastic job, so I had to find some real-life sheep noises to blame the background, which just finished off the beach hut!

Again this is another surprising part of the story, and that is that God arrived unexpectedly, and that the first message was given to an unsuspecting, marginalised, non-religious group of unbelievers...

I think if I were to sum up the meaning of Christmas in one word, it would be 'unexpected'. Because God has come but not as we might think, and God still arrives in ways that we might not think he would.

God works in the lives of people who we might not think he would work in. Time after time, God surprises us.

So as we head into Christmas week may you be surprised by God, a God who loves to shock, and when you find him may his blessings change your journey forever.

Day 19: The wise men went out to spred the good news!

2010-12-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

Good news has to be allowed in order for it to be heard! Tonight we had a very special treat, with a life performance from 'Dakota' a band who were travelling over from Leeds for this very special occasion, but unfortunately due to poor health and extreme weather conditions they were not able to make it!

So we had to break out Bridlington's answer to Jedward! both Simon and myself donned our guitars and with a merry crowd sang some cracking Christmas carols, and as the snow began to fall around again some might say Christmas came rushing over the horizon into full view tonight!

we had a great video which we hopefully will be put in appear very shortly! We also wish Andy and the chaps a speedy recovery in time the Christmas, and although we miss you loads we glad that you are safe and warm!

Day 18: In a dream the kings were told not to go back to Herod.

2010-12-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight's beach hut, again focused on the oppressive regime of Herod. As the angels came to the wise men and told them to return home by another route and not to tell Herod about the Christ child, Simon led a digital presentation of how people throughout time have rejected Christ and his teachings of love and peace which have led to grief destruction and war, from the crucifixion to the Crusades onto the world wars of recent years and into the struggles the world still faces today, including the battles in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The images used very powerful and provocative and again very challenging another realisation that this story of the Nativity is not all sweetness and donkeys but as a harsh very harsh reality to it that still sings of the same songs that are been cried in today's world.

soldiers during the First World War playing football on Christmas Day

Young Palestinian girls crying because of the ongoing conflict

Day 17: Mary and Joseph had nowhere to sleep

2010-12-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

So was Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem they had nowhere to sleep. Our theme tonight brought home the cause of homelessness in Bridlington.

We had the chairperson of the Kingfisher trust, Chris Horton. Chris had written a monologue based on what might have happened if Mary and Joseph had arrived in modern day Bridlington with nowhere to stay, no contacts and not knowing what to do.

It was a very powerful piece of written word highlighted the difficulties and problems many people face who find themselves in the position the Mary and Joseph would have done.

We also had hot soup and bread for those that come down, and lots of information and literature about the Kingfisher trust.
for more information on the Kingfisher trust you can click the link here and join the Facebook group.

Day 16: The arrival into Bethlehem

2010-12-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

The Snow came back just on time last night, as Mary and Joseph, began walking down the seafront to find their way in to a beach hut. The two shaddowy figures appered out of the snow looking very cold and weary, one of them obiously near to exhustion leaning on the taller one for help and support. As they arrived closer you could clearly see the figure of a heavly pregnant woman struggling to stand.

The couple wondered into the open beach hut and took a seat on the floor amongst the hay and an empty manger.

The crowd gather around the door to peer in, and then the lone voice of the young woman piercing the stillness with her amazing voice singing the words to Silent Night.

It was a very moving and simple drama, which then gave way to Lee leading some thoughts and questions about how we might have responded if we were the ones in the story.

With a huge thanks to all at Beverley Minster Youth who came through and led this amazing stillness and thought provoking night.

Day 15: Mary and Joseph reach the end of their journey.... or is it just the beginning?

2010-12-16T01:55:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had the Ladies from the Salvation Army, who came down and brought a huge box of bits and bobs to help us all make Christmas decorations to hang on our trees.

We also had a group of free runners who came down, and showed us what the sea defences were really built for. There is a real eclectic mix of different people coming to experience the beach huts, there have been great conversations about the story, about this time of year, about people's own spiritual journeys and there seems to be a real sense of community building up between the people who are coming.

There are many times throughout this project both in the planning and conducting of it that I have thought is it really worth it? But meeting the people and hearing their thoughts and experiences change my mind, because the experience of journeying with people through Advent who I wouldn't normally ever meet bring something else to this time of year.

So in the words of the Grinch who captures what I'm trying to say better than I can....

The Grinch: It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags.
Narrator: Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
The Grinch: Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... ...
Narrator: He thought
The Grinch: ...means a little bit more.

Day 14: Herod sent the Kings to Bethlehem

2010-12-15T02:19:00.000-08:00

Tonight we jump back to the three wise men, in this point in the story Herod sent the men to find the new king.

We had a group from Emanuel Church set up her beach at tonight creating the three wise men with a repeated monologue playing in the background of the men talking about their journey who they might find and what they might feel when they find him. There was also the chance to reflect on what we might take to baby King, and the chance to receive a gift from the Kings chocolate box!

It was a great surprise to see David down again after he broke his arm on the ice three nights ago!

Day 13: The oppressive King Herod

2010-12-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight's theme was all based around the theme of King Herod, an oppressive dictator who wanted to manipulate those around him so he could stay in power.

We spent some time thinking about those who live their lives with out freedoms we take for granted. We played a film of both Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela taking about how they have managed to forgive those who took away their freedoms.

As a response we lit candles and placed them around the beach hut and then set off a sky lantern praying for those who do not know freedom we do tonight.

One of the guys who came down tonight called Patrick got these amazing photos of the night! Thanks Patrick!

Day 12: What gifts to give to a baby?

2010-12-13T02:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight's theme was based on the gifts given by the wise men as they searched for the Christ child. The Gold, Frankincense and Murrh, strange gifts for a baby and a long way to have travelled to give them.

Tonight's beach hut was created by Nic Walters from Visions in York, Nic had an amazing idea to create a 15ft dome made out of bamboo and white umbrellas and a lit mirror ball inside. The sight of it in the darkened beach was spectacular, we then were all given white umbrellas and torches and we all processed silently in a line from the beach at down to the beach and around the star spotted don't the first three umbrellas where blue red and yellow representing the gold frankincense and myrrh that the wise men brought.

Personally, I found the whole experience very moving it made me think about the distance the wise men would travel that wondered about how much of their journey would have been in silence and wondered how they must've felt just following a star not really knowing their destination all the time searching for a king and ended up finding a baby in a dirty rundown stable. I wonder if they thought after they had reached Jesus whether their journey had been worth it or a waste of time. I wonder if when they found Jesus they actually hesitated a handing the expensive gifts over to him and his family, and I wonder what the family did with the gifts.

I wonder if they ever knew who Jesus grew up to be?

The pictures I have don't really do the whole night Justice I guess it was you had to be there to really experience it.

There have been times and moments of real tangible peace and stillness throughout this project that I never thought would be possible on a cold winter's seafront in the middle of December. Tonight marks halfway in our calendar which makes it a good point to reflect on all that has gone before and to wait in expectancy but what yet is still to come.

Day 11: Let us eat like a King!

2010-12-12T04:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight's hut was a real feast ! Rich our local master chef recreated some amazing authentic ancient Persian food, and it was truly amazing! I may well have been something like the food the wise men may have eaten on route to see the Christ child!

Just the smell of it alone was enough, We wanted you to really experience what it was like so we have downloaded an App for you to do so ! If you scratch HERE and put your nose close to the screen you can smell some of what it was like!

Mmm did you really just do that? More mulled wine for this one please!

Our thoughts and prayers also go to David who fell last night and broke his arm. We will miss you down the huts but hope you can make the big one on Christmas eve!

Day 10: The Star appears

2010-12-12T03:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a starlight extravaganza, with the hut been decorated with stars and twinkles. The art work fro this project is gradually getting dispersed around the town, with tonight's stars that were leftover from decorating the beach hut going on display in Emmanuel church.

Again this was a great interactive workshop for everyone to get involved and they did!

A huge thank you to Barbara and her team, Barbara had to crawl off her sick bed to be with us and it was hugely appreciated by us all! Thank you again Barbara!

Seasalt and passion deli and art gallery in the town provided tonight mince pies. And as last year they were exceptional! They are a unique and exceptional food and creative art outlet. They are a real find and no trip to Bridlington is complete without a visit!

Day 9: Donkeys !

2010-12-12T02:11:00.000-08:00

Day 9 saw us really hit the donkeys ! Well so to speak! Emmanuel Playgroup came and led some donkey arts and crafts, with a few little ones dressed up and some rather large donkey cuts outs decorating the beach hut. and 5 different versions of little donkey playing in the back ground.

Caleb (my little one) donned his donkey costume as you can see .

Although we had fun with donkeys all night, there is no actual reference in the biblical story to using a donkey as a means of transport! But we do have 24 nights to fill so i would hope you might let us off with a little poetic licence !

Star ordered in time for the story...

2010-12-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

For tonight's Beach Hut we have ordered a real star to appear the sky over the UK, hope you enjoy it! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11954932

Day 8: Mary and Joseph travelled to bethlehem....

2010-12-09T03:44:00.000-08:00

The winter is really not letting go up north!

Bad weather conditions meant that many of the performers could not make it tonight, but we were not let down by Annie, who is a performing arts student who had written and performed some amazingly creative stuff for us.

Never the less we trudge on towards the main event, i guess sometimes you just have to carry on the journey event when things look pretty bleak....

Rainbow snow!

Day 7: Mary and Joseph set off on their journey

2010-12-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight's theme set us off on the journey. Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 100 miles and would have taken about a week, so if you had to leave tonight on a journey like this what would you make sure you took with you?

Have you ever set off on a journey not knowing where you are going to end up? Sometimes we can be so focused on the destination that we actually miss the journey, and actually the journey can at times be far more exciting than where we end up!

Tonight's beach hut showed the film by Jon Birch called 'Silent night' which can be found on the Proost website which puts a very cool spin on the whole story, we also made some Mary and Josephs 3D figures.

We had some great coverage in the press again today with a great chat with Andy Comfort on Radio Humberside Listen here
2 Hrs10 mins in and we had a great splash in the Hull Daily Mail including a camp Priest with a dodgy tash!

Day 6: The Angel spoke to Joseph in a dream

2010-12-07T02:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those dreams that when you wake up then changes everything? In a far off land this is exactly what happened, the Angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him everything was going to be ok, and to name the new baby Jesus.

We were totality blown away by tonight's beach hut, with a huge angel made out of willow and paper sat looking down over the top of Joseph sleeping. The angel was designed and made by a local artist and the hut and workshops put together from those lovely people at Flamborough church. During the art workshops we could make some stained glass windows which are then being hung from the ceiling of the beach hut with other works of art we have done over the month.

All our large pieces of art will be going on display in an empty shop in the promenade shopping centre in the middle of Bridlington for happy shoppers to hear some of the story of advent as they head towards Christmas.

Day 5: The angel appears to Mary....

2010-12-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a sell out performance from the Emmanuel puppet theatre, telling us the story of the angel visiting Mary to tell her she is going to have a baby, and not just any old baby but the long awaited Christ child.....

Just as Mary would have been thinking that everything was going to plan, God turns up and sings a different song to the one that would have been playing in Mary's mind.

Sometimes God gives us new opportunities that we could never have even dreamt of , he takes us on a journey that we would never never have expected to travel!

Day 4: Mary and Joseph get engaged...

2010-12-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

A huge thanks to Dad's R Us who delivered us a wedding dress ready to be decorated with lots of sparkles and glitz !

Again another cold one down the sea front but that didn't put off the wanton party goers !

Happy times for the young couple, with all their future ahead of them, dreams of building a family and finding some sort of security in there home town of Nazareth, with all of their friends and family around them, surely nothing will change that in any way?....

Day 3: It's all about Mary....

2010-12-04T02:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight's theme began to tell the story of Mary, and as we did so we asked the questions who was she and how do we view her? We had a short film playing in the beach hut with different women faces changing underneath and blue head scarf, with different images both traditional and modern appearing and disappearing.

We also had Kathryn (Who herself is an expectant mum!) wondering around in a blue shawl chatting to people as they arrived. We were joined by a TV production company hoping to make a program for Channel 4 about how younger people interact and explore their faith in today's society.

But the main event of the night was Nicci's giant mosaic of Mary, a really spectacular piece of artwork that will be on display in the promenade shopping centre in the town on the run up to Christmas. She started and finished the piece during the night!

Day 2: The Romans

2010-12-03T01:34:00.000-08:00

It was easy to see how the Romans took over the world, as the two Romans we had tonight lasted an hour in freezing temperatures with only their armour and a beach hut to keep them warm!

Tonight's theme set the political backdrop to the story of how many of the people living in the land were Jewish but under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire. This naturally led us into thinking about those people in the world who still live without freedom....
So our nightly reflections brought us to think about them.....

tonight think and if you pray, pray for those who suffer under someone else’s rules.

We also had some authentic Roman Biscuits for everyone which went lovely with the hot choccy

Opening night!....

2010-12-02T02:12:00.000-08:00

The beach huts got off to a fantastic start last night with a whole POW of superheroes turning up as well as many others braving the wintry weather, I think that we also got the actual Incredible Hulk who walked around with just a ripped shirt on in temperatures well below freezing!

The theme allowed us to reflect on who have been the heroes in our lives, and to consider that fact that actually we might more often than not take them for granted.

At times we can all be Superheroes by just doing the little things in life, things that don't take super powers! Hopefully during this time of advent we will be reflecting on all sorts of issues that the story of the nativity raises, as well as stuffing our faces with tons of mince pies !

The night's spectacle was the performance of local singer/songwriter Ben Parcell, who preformed and incredible set in the beach hut, Ben will be back with us on the 23rd as well!

We were amazing by how many people braved the cold and really got into the spirit of the whole event! So here's to the rest of the count down! I hear the Romans are in town tonight!....

The heroes are in town!

2010-12-01T06:08:00.000-08:00

Is someone in trouble? have no fear there will be an Advent of Heroes on hand tonight! 6pm-7pm!

Here are 2 mighty heroes who have answered the call!!! Will you?....

The Snow is mealting and the Chocolate is warming.... 1 day to go!

2010-11-30T03:46:00.000-08:00

One day to go until we open up our first beach hut! The Snow is melting and all the prep is coming together very well! Although i am hoping that my Super hero costume comes with thermals!

Beach hut lead up.... 6 days to go!

2010-11-25T01:41:00.000-08:00

The snow has arrived right on que to make the beach huts feel very festive!

We have had a great write up from the kind folks at biblefresh you can read it here, things are going very well for us virally at the mo with shout outs from many on twitter and facebook, the wonders of modern media !

We have confirmed that the BBC will be down on the first night to film live! we also now have Ben Parcell who will be playing a few songs for us, Ben is booked towards the end of the month, but was willing to give us some more so we snapped him up!

Beach hut lead up.... 8 days to go!

2010-11-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

So I got up early this morning to get down to the beach hut with our amazing electrician Paul from A1 electrics in Bridlington who has set up all of our electrics, pat testing and made sure everything is safe and running smoothly.

As I was setting up the back drops around the hut it started to rain and as i looked out to sea there was an amazing cloud burst, and it reminded me of how much i loved being down here every day in Dec last year experiencing the ebb and flow of the sea and the weather. Here is the picture of the cloud burst....

If you have any time this advent come down for 5 mins of stillness on the sea front to stop and recharge before you go back to the craziness that is Christmas !

Beach hut lead up....

2010-11-22T05:20:00.001-08:00

If Jesus had been born today where would he be born?

Superheroes

2010-11-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

Our first nights theme this year is all about Superheroes !!!

We are going to have a POW of superheroes (i don't know what a collection of superheroes is called so i thought POW worked!)

the concept is that we are "Going to begin telling the story of a timeless hero!"

so we will have lots of people dressed up as superheroes, and the display in the beach hut will be of an empty manger with a child's superman costume laid over the top and a sign in the back saying 'coming soon'.

we are also hoping to get a large fan so that people can stand in front of it while their capes flap in the wind!