What, no Elvis? Nativity snaps of yesteryear have traditional focus

Generations of Black Country schoolchildren have taken part in nativity performances, a time-honoured Christmas tradition.

Characters in updated versions have included aliens, spaceman and Elvis but these historic pictures – sent in by Express & Star readers – show very traditional accounts of the birth of Jesus.

Cyril Randle recalls his first and only nativity at Hall Green Primary School, West Bromwich, in December 1941. The school had only be built a year earlier and was still incomplete with many of the builders fighting in the Second World War.

Mr Randle, 84, said: "One of the first things we did was the nativity.

"I was down as the prophet Isaiah. I went on stage first and said the opening speech.

"But after that I wasn't in it again. I vanished. I was just the prologue so I was a bit disappointed. But at the same time it was better than nothing."

The father-of-four has fond memories of the performance and can still remember his opening lines.

Cyril Randle, at the back on the far right, believes it is Aubrey Fellows as the shepherd, seated front, and Doreen Lloyd as the angel

The photograph takes pride of place in his living room on a wall dedicated to old pictures. He added: "I loved it. My Mom was disappointed I didn't get one of the bigger parts but really there wasn't many words in the whole thing. It was more visual than audio. All the clothes were made out of old sacks. Coal, wood – it all came in sacks back then. You simply couldn't get clothing. If you were lucky enough to get some you could honestly see straight through it."

For Angela Hurley, the photo of her 1967 nativity is the only image she has from her time at Prestwood Road Infants School in Wolverhampton.

The site near New Cross Hospital is now occupied by Heath Park school.

Mrs Hurley, who now lives across the city in Compton, played the role of Mary.

She said: "I remember I didn't have to speak and I was very pleased about that. Although I don't think anyone spoke other than Joseph and the innkeeper.

"I did feel quite honoured to be asked to be Mary. I was never really one to put myself forward. It was definitely the highlight of the year."

Mrs Hurley, 54, admits a lot has changed in how Christmas is celebrated but hopes this tradition will stand the test of time.