Saturday, 16 December 2023

December 16th - Christmas Tree Festival

 I didn't take many photos of the trees in the church at Stowmarket, there were more than usual and lots of people looking round. All were lovely and colourful. So many organisations in and around the town had decorated trees on the theme of Christmas songs and carols.








The church was full of school children when Pat and I arrived for the Osier café . They'd been brought in to see their tree and all the others. Just before we left someone started to play carols on the piano which was lovely to hear.

I always hang a card on the memory tree for Colin and it was absolutely covered with peoples memories of loved ones and the prayer tree too had hundreds of hearts with names of people who needed a prayer said for them.

Back Tomorrow
Sue



33 comments:

  1. How absolutely beautiful.
    There are tears in my eyes at the thought of the memory tree and your contribution to it. Much love. xx

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    1. They have a pile of little cards with space to write something and there were so many the tree was completely covered with dozens on each branch - so many people are remembered at Christmas.

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  2. Agree with Joy , very beautiful x
    Our church has a memory tree this year, I'll be putting my dear Mum's name on.
    Alison in Wales x

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  3. The trees look beautiful and how lovely to hear some carols at the end of your visit. The church in the town 3 miles away has a Christmas Tree Festival, we plan to visit next week. I always add a heart for my late parents and mother in law.

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    1. The church looks wonderful when full of trees and the memory tree is very special

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  4. I do love a, proper theme for a tree festival. And a memory tree is always special. When my cousin Gill died, late November 2021, Wilko where she'd worked for many years, decided their store tree should be a Memory Tree. When I visited with her son, it was covered with beautiful messages of love

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    1. Carols is a popular theme. I looked to see what it was last year but found I didn't go!

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  5. It's a lovely idea to have a prayer tree and a memory tree - very poignant.

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    1. They always have these - wonderful but sad to see

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  6. What a delightful idea Sue.

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    1. The trees were lovely to see - so many organisations had made a good effort

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  7. What a lovely outing and a memory tree is such a thoughtful idea. Catriona

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  8. Wow what a sight of them all together, such hard work must have gone into each and every one, beautiful!

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    1. It's lovely that so many organisations and businesses are willing to take part

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  9. I went to our Tree Festival last week, the first year that I have been able to manage it on my own. It was magical. The theme was to decorate with your own charitable organisation in mind. There were some wonderful trees and some very unusual ones. Admittance to the festival which was in our local church was 'something for the Foodbank' which they run for local families in the church hall every Monday. It was a huge success.

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    1. I found I didn't go last year and it was probably cancelled for two Christmases before so must be a while since I went

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  10. I do like the handmade decorations best. It is a lovely festival.

    We have a large tree in the cathedral that is covered with handmade wooden ornaments bearing the names of "Those We Hold Dear". There is a £2 charge per name. This year's ornaments are to be burgundy circles with gold trim and lettering. The tree and names will be dedicated in a special service Monday evening.

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    1. That special service of dedication sounds wonderful

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  11. It was lovely to meet up on Thursday, and the church and the trees looked wonderful but the music and the memory and prayer trees just overwhelmed me a bit and I had to leave as I was sad. Maybe I am a bit more fragile than I thought! I will go back for another look. Enjoy your Christmas Sue, and I look forward to another meet up in the New Year. PatC

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    1. I suddenly had a thought that how much Glenda would have enjoyed out meet-ups and that's another sadness - sorry.
      Yes another meet up in the new year for sure although I think I may have to have a change from cheese scones - had another today at the Duck and Teapot and feel I'm all cheese sconed out!

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  12. Those are so sweet, Sue. I love the photo down the aisle with the lovely window at the end!

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    1. The Nave is always full of trees with a nativity scene by the altar

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  13. What a wonderful tradition! It draws the school children with their parents. It seeks to comfort those grappling with grief. It is a beautiful way to draw everyone close for the season.

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    1. The church was full of children and chatter - it was lovely

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  14. This is a well loved and beautiful Christmas tree festival. The church was filled with fully decorated themed trees with no empty spaces for additional trees. Bringing everyone together is wonderful for all. Holiday decor plus music lifts the spirits like nothing else does.

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  15. How lovely. If there is a similar happening round here, I've not seen it advertised. (Just checked, Powis Castle has some "over the top" Christmas trees, but I've been there twice this year and can't get away for long these days anyway.) Great to see your photos.

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  16. As a humanist I don’t do prayers but love the idea of a memory tree

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  17. How beautiful and festive. I love the idea of a memory tree, and a prayer tree.

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  18. Gorgeous trees, and I love the idea of a memorial tree.

    God bless.

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  19. Oh wow! How wonderful. Love memory trees.

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  20. How fun! I'd love this! Merriest to you, in case I don't get back before the holiday!

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