NOW in its fifth year, the Christmas Tree Festival at Sandford Congregational Church this month, will feature a display of more than 30 decorated trees.

With a theme “Step into Christmas” the festival will run from Thursday, December 14 until Saturday, December 16.

Many village organisations and businesses will decorate trees including Sandford Spirits, Good Companions, Sandford School and Playgroup, the Sunflowers after school club, tennis club, parish council, St Swithun’s Church, Summerhayes Residential Care Home, Sandford Orchards, Dave Totterdell, the Community Stores, Meadowside Garage, Newcombes Surgery and Chiddenbrook Surgery and many more.

In the church hall there will be various stalls, a raffle and refreshments which will be available every day between 12 noon and 5pm.

On the Thursday afternoon at 2pm there will be a performance by Sandford School Reception Years One and Two who will be singing festive songs.

On Sunday, December 17 at 4pm a Carol Service will bring the weekend to a close with refreshments to follow.

Last year’s Tree Festival, which saw 32 decorated trees, raised £550 for the Congregational Church renovations.

Alan Quick