NOW in its fourth year, the Christmas Tree Festival at Sandford Congregational Church next month, will feature a display of 31 decorated trees.

With a theme “Step into Christmas” the festival will run from Thursday, December 8 until Saturday, December 10.

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 and handbell ringers, Summerhayes Residential Care Home, Sandford Orchards, Dave Totterdell, the Community Stores, Meadowside Garage, Hillside Bed and Breakfast, the Singing for Fun group and many more.

There will be various stalls, a raffle and refreshments will be available every day between 12 noon and 6pm.

On the Friday afternoon at 2pm there will be a performance by “Singing for Fun”, the recently-formed Sandford singing group for over 50’s, which meets weekly in the village.

On Sunday, December 11 at 4pm a Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols will bring the weekend to a close with refreshments to follow.

Last year’s Tree Festival raised £700 for the Congregational Church renovations.

Carol Furze