Lanson was able to marvel at the glistening lights of the Christmas trees displayed at St Mary Magdalene’s Church earlier this month, with the return of the Christmas tree festival.
Making a return for 2021, the festival was organised by Sharron Wormald and her friend Sue who had big boots to fill after the ladies who previously organised the event took a step back.
Sharron said: “I woke at 5.30am worrying about whether anyone was going to turn up for the Christmas tree festival as my friend Sue and myself had rashly volunteered to take over the organisation from the ladies who had organised it so well over the previous 10 years.”
But Sharron had no reason to worry as when she arrived at the church at 9.30am, it was filled with people, eager to catch a glimpse of the beautiful trees decorated by local businesses and organisations.
“By the evening, over 70 trees and cribs were in place and the church glowed with lights,” Sharron told Life.
The festival was opened by Mayor Leighton Penhale, and the church choir then sang carols to entertain the late night shopping visitors. The lovely trees came from organisations all across Launceston, with churches, charities, community groups and businesses all playing their part in putting up a wonderful display, which was enjoyed by a steady stream of visitors over the coming week. A particular highlight was the reaction of the children and the residents of Pendruccombe House as they came in to find the ornaments they had made.
The festival came to a close with a well attended Christingle service on the afternoon of
the 11th of December.
Sharron added: “There are a lot of people to thank – Sue Tierney who was my partner in planning the festival; my husband Graham who looked after the electrical stuff in church; Jess Lancaster who organised raffle prizes and the Christingle, and all the people who stewarded, served refreshments, played the organ, baked cakes, helped set up and take down boards in the church. We couldn’t have run the festival without you.
“We also have to say a big thank you to the people who contributed prizes, and those who
spent a lot of time and energy in creating the tree displays which were very much appreciated.
Covid permitting we will be back next year with more trees - look out for updates on Facebook!
“Hopefully I will be less worried next year and won’t have a nightmare of being chased by a load of Christmas trees…”
Well done to the fantastic team of volunteers!