The annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Paul’s Church has raised a record-breaking £17,000 for charity – smashing previous years’ takings.
Over 6,500 people visited the five-day festival and 1,000 people took part in choirs and performances to provide festive fun and entertainment.
A raffle, organised by Bosom Pals – a group of women who have survived breast cancer – raised an incredible £1,800. The group also took over the church cafe for two days and provided many of the cakes sold throughout the festival.
And the winners are…
Each year, visitors are asked to vote for their favourite two trees – one decorated by a school or youth group and the other, decorated by an adult group.
Winners of the adult trophy were Aragon Lacemakers, whose members made 121 items for their Singing in the Rain-inspired tree.
“We are delighted to have won the award at this year’s Christmas tree festival,” said Aragon Lacemakers’ chair, Karen Ward.
“Aragon Lacemakers take part each year as it’s a great opportunity for everyone to get involved by making a piece of lace for the tree. It’s also a very special event with a great atmosphere. Our theme was Singing in The Rain so we made lace music notes, umbrellas, lampposts and treble clefs.
“The patterns were sourced and designed by Sandra King, one of Aragon Lacemakers’ longstanding members. Aragon Lacemakers began in 1977 so we have just celebrated our 45th anniversary. Our primary aim is to keep the Bedford tradition of Lacemaking alive.”
The school or youth group trophy was won by Edith Cavell Primary School, whose theme was The Wizard of Oz.
“I am extremely proud of all the children and staff at Edith Cavell Primary School and their combined efforts to create the wonderful decorations for our display at the Bedford Christmas Tree Festival,” headteacher, Heather Cooke, told the Bedford Independent.
“To be awarded the prize for best children’s tree is amazing and shows the children that their hard work has been recognised and appreciated by all who visited the festival.
“We can’t wait to find out what the theme of next year’s festival will be to start planning our entry.”
At Edith Cavell’s assembly on Friday 9 December, Margaret Oakley, the chair of the St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree Festival Committee presented the trophy to the school.
Until the end of term, the trophy, alongside the winning Christmas tree, was on display in the entrance hall of the school for all the children to be able to see the decorations that they made and how they look on the finished tree.
Describing this year’s festival, Margaret Oakley said: “It has been a great joy to welcome so many people into this annual community festival leading into the Christmas season, held in this magnificent town centre church.
