by Alan Quick

REPRESENTATIVES from village organisations decorated 15 Christmas trees in St Matthew’s Church at Coldridge for its very first Christmas Tree Festival.

It began on Thursday, December 8 and ran until Sunday, December 11.

The trees were decorated with fairy lights, tinsel and baubles of all kinds, many home-made.

The organisations which decorated the trees included Coldridge WI, the Social Club, Happy Circle, Gardening Club, Whizz Kids, Knit and Natter Group, St Matthew’s Church, the Lawrence family, Toddler Group, Quilt Group, Marietta White, young people, Coldridge Painters and other individuals and the Village tree by Coldridge Parish Council.

Some trees had themes while others were of a more general nature.

An informal evening of festive music with local musicians was held on the Saturday evening, when a finger buffet was also served.

This was well-attended and those who attended said it was a most enjoyable evening.

On the Sunday a Carol Service saw some rousing singing from a large congregation.

Rev Lindsey Starrs of the North Creedy Benefice, thanked everyone involved in the tree festival, music evening and service.

She said: “The church looked wonderful, the atmosphere was very special; full of Christmas spirit and joy.”

Especially thanked were Sue and Ron Lawrence and Jo and John Dike.

Profits from donations and refreshments from the Christmas Tree Festival will be donated to local charities for homeless people.