Christmas Tree Festival 2009
From December 11th to 13th 2009, St Mary’s Church was the venue for our second Christmas Tree Festival. This year the number of trees, again generously donated by two local businesses, Tereza Votre Jewellery and Igentics, was extended to 30, all decorated and brightly-lit by individuals, families, groups and local businesses.
This year our theme was ‘Church and Community’. From ‘Superheroes’ and ‘Robots’ to Raymond Briggs’ ‘The Snowman’, ‘Children’s Stories’ and ’70 Years of Scouting in Linton’, each tree represented the interests or professions of its dressers, who included every playgroup in Linton and Bartlow, Linton Infant and Junior Schools and uniformed organisations as well as local businesses such as Paintins Funeral Directors, ‘So Special Occasions’ and ‘Igentics’ and groups from within both St Mary’s and the URC Church.
Visitors viewing the trees were also treated, on Friday evening, to mulled wine and mince pies with atmospheric background music provided by some of our talented musicians and, on Saturday, as well as live music in the church, in the Infant School a variety of stalls, a musical interlude by the new church buskers and refreshments provided added entertainment and sustenance, with the appearance of Father Christmas and his elf delighting the younger visitors.
The Festival was brought to a close with an informal Service of carols on Sunday afternoon.
Our new Team Rector, Rev Dr Steve Griffiths, declared the Festival a great success and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the community of Linton and it is hoped that this will become an annual event.
Gill Powell
