A much-loved crib service has been saved this year after the children who were meant to perform in it fell ill. The crib service in Pastrow Benefice was due to be performed by a group of young thespians at Christ Church in Hatherden, but the cast had to be changed after there was “some sickness” amongst the group. The service, ‘Sanitise that Stable!’, will now be performed by The Penton Players, who stepped forward at the last minute to save the production. The crib service is one of a number that has been written over the years by the Rector of the Pastrow family of churches, Revd. Alex Randle-Bissell. Other 'hits' in recent years have included 'The Great Bethlehem Bake Off' and 'How the Grinch Found Jesus'.