This year was our 9th Christmas Tree Festival. It all began by chance when I visited Newton Solney’s church Christmas Tree Festival. The church looked lovely and I suggested that we do the same. Over the years we have developed the event; we now offer homemade soup as well as cakes and drinks but the trees remain the centre of attention.
In previous years we have had many different themes: Different countries, Christmas carols, hobbies, church festivals, months of the year, and seasons to name just a few. This year, by request, people decorated the trees just as they wanted. Although the main event was over the weekend of 8th and 9th of December, the trees remain in the church until Twelfth Night. Also, this year Jeff and Janet Collett provided two beautifully lit trees outside the entrance door which provide a warm welcome.
One of the main reasons for having a Christmas Tree Festival is that it enables us to involve the whole village. Participants this year included Ticknall W.I., Ticknall Toddlers’ Group, Scoff and Shop, Dame Catherine’s School, Family Church, Knowle Hill Stables, St.George’s Choir and Mothers’ Union, St George’s Bellringers, Luncheon Club, Royal British Legion, Art Club and Ticknall Gardening Club.
We also sell cards produced by Janet Wood as well as Christmas wreaths.
All our visitors enjoy the festival which has become part of Ticknall’s Christmas. It always coincides with South Derbyshire Bellringers’ Carol Service and provides a lovely setting for it.
The Festival enables us to raise funds for the constantly increasing running costs of the church. This year we raised £400.
Each year we look forward to making the Festival a happy time for everyone. Many people in the village help to make this a success, from erecting the trees, donating soup and cakes, stewarding the event, serving the refreshments – and then, of course, clearing it all up afterwards. Our heartfelt thanks to them all.
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