Tasked with spreading the good news,
the shepherds got as far as Bombay...
Seasons greetings and a big thank you for everything this year
Explore the scene by zooming in, click and drag to navigate, and click the hotspots to find out more about each of our shepherds.
Rob
Shepherd-Jones
Post-Christmas 2018, Rob spent much of 2019 travelling the globe on his motorbike as a mobile nail technician. A chance opportunity to do nails for Ron Howard on the set of the Happy Days reunion show afforded Rob the chance to discover a new passion for directing. Ever keen to put his feet up more (on Ian), he now focuses his time working with the creative teams of the world's best-known luxury brands.
Jacqui
Shepherd-Sanwell
In late 2019, Jacqui oversaw an acquisition of her sandals innovation team, selling out to Birkenstock for an undisclosed sum, reportedly involving a six figure number of donkeys and a rare flock of sheep. Jacqui has since branched out into desert based creative set building. Her latest work is on the new Star Wars film – Return of the Shepherdi.
Skeletor
Shepherd-Skeleton
Spurred on by the news that Pawel had flown the flock, Skeletor returned in hope that he could put some meat back on the bones. However things took a turn for the worse when Skeletor was tasked with bottle distribution. Even after a hearty meal, his first effort to bulk up in years, it did not prove enough to absorb a few cheeky shots of Bombay. Skeletor was left legless, smashed and completely off his head.
Tom
Shepherd-Hopkins
They say it's the quiet ones you have to watch, and Tom is no exception. So often the softly spoken member of the flock, Tom's dark-side is apparently Gin activated. One sniff of Juniper and he’s connecting his straws and siphoning the clear liquid away. Rumour has it he has a secret bottling plant in Fleet and operates under the name 'Developers Droop'… sorry… 'Drop'.
Ian
Shepherd-Mumford
Assigned ‘Chief of Props’ status for 2019, Ian knew that Rob's cheeky attempt at using him as a footstool was a mistake. One quick turn of the screwdriver and it was curtains for Mr Jones. The removal of the megaphone also had profound long-term effects on Rob. To this day he has a unique ability to deliver bottom-burps louder than anyone.
Guy
Shepherd-Nicholson
Guy spread his wings in 2019 - taking on a new Senior Shepherd of Bethlehem Brand Ambassador role for the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Based in Bethlehem, Guy was tasked with creating a version for the local market. Guy crafted ‘Desert Flock’, a unique tasting version containing an unconfirmed special ingredient. His specialist cocktails include ‘Sheep Dip’ and ‘The Woolly Jumper’.
Tommy
Shepherd-Kwiatkowski
Tommy’s passion for keeping his hands busy has shown no signs of slowing up through 2019. Still ‘King of all things Christmas’, Tommy also offers his time to John Shepherd-Pike as a Photographer's assistant. Tommy specialises in roll preparation and film loading. Tommy is yet to fulfil his true potential… or realise that the camera is digital. He has heard God loves a trier, so he remains positive.
John
Shepherd-Pike
John was unable to repeat his feats of 'Rear of the Year' and 'Best Legs in Bethlehem' in 2019. A new breed of buttock christened ‘Generation Pert’ has forced John into early retirement and alternative means of work. Still keen to show off his firmly toned thighs and calves at any (and every) opportunity, John now freelances as a photographer, foolishly taking on Tommy as his assistant. Repeat business has been low.
Harley
Shepherd-The Dog
Harley, a wonderful and loving companion to all the Shepherds, oversaw his final good news spreading journey in 2019. As bemused and dumbfounded by their shenanigans as ever, Harley knew he was destined for bigger and better things than this lot, taking up a scholarship with the Angel Gabriel. The Shepherds now watch their flocks by night safe in the knowledge that the big fella is looking down and keeping them safe. Rest in peace Harley. We miss you.
Tim 'Chuck'
Shepherd-Norris
Following in the footsteps of his namesake ‘Chuck’, Tim sought a life of fame and fortune using his martial arts talents. Tim opened his first martial arts school in 2015, named Chuck-Can-Poo in tribute to his icon. The school blossomed until late 2018, when an unfortunate incident involving a high kick whilst wearing Shepherd robes revealed the true reason behind the school's name. Tim is also a leading figure within the Bethlehem division of the ’Wiping out Incontinence’ charity.
Daniel
Shepherd-Poulter
Although Pawel left the flock in 2019, his final act (other than completing Serco’s website) was to once again communicate the requirements for the 2019 Shepherd message-spreading meet-up. Daniel, a young, keen, if a little hard of hearing but dedicated Gym lover, was left confused and disappointed that it was not, in fact, 'Gym-o-clock’ after all.
Emily
Shepherd-Barnett
Welcomed to the flock in 2019, Emily's sweet and innocent face hid a dark and sinister past. Unknown to the other Shepherds, Emily is wanted around the world on charges of mass spirit theft. Her past conquests include Casa Martini, Terrazzo Martini and La Maison Noilly Prat. Assuming many pseudonyms, she has the underworld nickname 'The Cocktail Crim'. She was last sighted heading south through a bottle of Bacardi.
Ally
Shepherd-Perry
Such a loyal friend to John for so long, Ally couldn’t bear to see Tommy’s antics ruining John's chances of making it as a successful photographer. Ally committed himself to learning the trade, losing himself in great literary works such as Photography for Dummy Shepherds, The Fine Art of Lens Cap Removal and Landscapes and Sheep Portraits. The Human Tripod did not turn out to be the book he thought it would be.
Jemma
Shepherd-Angel-Dormer
A graduate of Archangel Gabriel’s Academy for Dramatic Announcement, Jem was tasked with overseeing the 2019 exploits of the Shepherds. Gabriel’s strict instructions were to ensure no distractions as per 2017 and 2018. Unfortunately for Gabriel, Jem proved somewhat of a distraction herself, confusing the Star of Bethlehem with the Star of Bombay.
Zoe
Shepherd-Pedersen
As a South African that’s always up for a cold one, the concept of minimising the use of ice in a drink is lost on Zoe. Her heavy handed approach to cocktail creation always ensures the celebration of the birth of Jesus is never an under-whelming event. Zoe is never happier than when the celebrations are partnered with a Braai by the robots… apparently!
