The children were enthusiastic, and happy - and gave great enjoyment to all the visitors who were listening. [I;'m not allowed to post photos though]
The Tree Festival itself, now in its 5th year, was indeed even better and more awesome than before. More trees, more community groups involved.
A memory tree, and the local Myra's Wells charity
A number of local "Care Providers" produced trees
Knitters and Natterers, 5 Gold Rings [and elsewhere, the whole 12 Days Of Christmas theme]
Pleased to see all the decorations on the Scout tree were made by members of all ages- youngest to oldest, reflecting their activities. The WI covered their tree in little wrapped Jampots- and called it Jam and Jerusalem
And the UCF tree with the Christmas Crackers theme.
The members of this little chapel work very hard to have a visible presence in the heart of their community. I'm glad this event is so well supported. There should be lots of visitors tomorrow night when it is the local Carol Event, and St Martins Gospel Choir are singing. I never took a shot down the aisle showing the rows of trees. I've been really remiss about my pictures- this year St M's have their own minister [and wife] - and I completely forgot to take a picture of James and Pauline. They were both working hard yesterday, greeting people, serving refreshments etc.
I hope I can fit in a trip over to Wimborne this week to look at the trees there too. And before you ask, NO! there are no plans to host a Tree Festival at UCF. I've seen all the effort that goes into staging these events, and I'm happy just organising our contributions to two other festivals.
Have you been to a Tree Festival this year ?
[or contributed decorations to one? ]
I love the idea of these festivals, like a Winter flower festival. I've sadly never seen one near me to actually visit so that's a real shame. I admire the creativity!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there must be one near you - and I bet there would be a music-themed tree too, which you would especially appreciate
DeleteThe local village church is having it's first ever mini tree festival and then Stowmarket Church will have it's HUGE one so I shall go and look at both
ReplyDeleteIts good to contrast the small village ones with the great ones!
DeleteThose Christmas trees are beautiful! I especially liked the snowman tree! I haven't been to a tree festival, although, one of the buildings in downtown had several different trees in the lobby, one year. I don't think it was quite the same as what you are describing, though.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the festivals are as common in the USA?
DeleteWhen my friend was Rector of Brighstone on the Isle of Wight, he started a Christmas tree festival in the late 90s. He left there around 2005 but the festival keeps growing.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow afternoon I'm playing with our recorder group at our local CofE tree festival - our leader was very relieved that our moving date ended up being NEXT Monday and not this week, as I'm the only bass player they have and she was panicking about getting a replacement at short notice! I'm pleased too, because it's a lovely way to end my time with them.
I hope all goes well - with the carols and the move!
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