Congleton is to have a Community ‘Tree of Light’ for the first time, this Christmas. The tree will be located on Lawton Street close to the war memorial and the lights will be switched on by the Mayor, Cllr Sally Ann Holland at 5pm on Saturday, 7th December.
The tree of light is a popular concept that has been developed by Rotary clubs throughout the country. It provides an opportunity to write a brief message to loved ones or to remember those who have departed. As well as a star with a personal message, there will be a 2019 book of remembrance, which will also be published on-line. Stars can be purchased from the Town Hall Information office, Foundations on Bridge Street, Prince of Wales on Lawton Street as well as other retailers in the town centre displaying the Tree of Light poster. All 4 funeral directors: The Co-op, John Garside, Alan Finneron and Three Shires Independent Funeral Services are supporting the sale of stars. Rotary-Congleton will sell stars in the town centre on November 9th and 16th.
The cost of stars is £5. The last date for the purchase of stars is December 2nd, to allow time for the stars to be strung ready to be hung on the tree.
On Saturday, 7th December, there will be a procession, starting at 4.40pm from the pedestrian area outside B&M on Bridge Street, led by the Mayor, the ‘Can’t Sing Choir, a local band and the Lantern Parade, previously seen at the town lights switch on.
The Rotary Club of Congleton is organising and funding the event with assistance from Congleton Town Council and the Congleton Partnership. Funds raised will be used to support East Cheshire Hospice and other Congleton Rotary local deserving causes.
“A great deal of interest has been shown already”, said Rtn. Alan Parton who together with Jackie MacArthur, Congleton Town Centre Manager are the organisers of the event. “If the event proves to be a success, it is hoped that it will become a regular part of Congleton’s Christmas programme.”
