In pictures: Christmas Tree Festival now rooted in Landbeach village calendar
More than 40 Christmas trees turned the Parish Church of All Saints’, Landbeach into a mini-forest last weekend (December 2-3) as the village held its Fen-Edge Christmas Tree Festival.
Around 400 visitors enjoyed an atmosphere of fun and creativity and adults and children were invited to vote for their favourite trees.
John Buckley, chair of the Friends of All Saints, Landbeach [FOALS], said: “Visitors clearly entered into the spirit of the event, with adults assessing which tree to vote for, and children giggling at the humour of some of the entries.”
He added: “The entry by Emmaus, ‘Ho ho ho Homelessness Happens’ well deserved its first place and commendations.”
Placed near trees from Waterbeach Foodbank and the Amos Trust, it was one of many trees which signalled that Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone.
Prize-winning Waterbeach Rainbows urged visitors to ‘Bee Kind’ with their design. Thanks to the generosity of local business and residents, gift-hampers of prizes were presented.
“The look of delight on the face of the – very young – Rainbow from Waterbeach, collecting a hamper almost as big as herself, was a sight to behold,” said John.
Bell-ringer Danielle Malan noted that many of the adults who visited had come to support their children’s activity group, nursery or school but then became intrigued as they explored the joke of another festival favourite, the ‘Pan-Tree’, which was created from shiny utensils used at the Landbeach Warm-Hub lunches.
Crafter Lisa, creator of the ‘Meowy Christmas Tree’, said: “To knit and crochet the cat-toy decorations was months of entertainment for me – it was nice that others enjoyed the result.” Her decorations will be delivered to a cat rescue centre.
Landbeach pioneer minister Jane Oakes, who led the project, sensed that along with the ‘marvel’ factor came ministry.
A Remembrance Tree, set up for visitors to spend time thinking about loved ones perhaps no longer with us, was steadily decorated with stars bearing the names of significant family and friends.
“This is their building,” said Jane, “and an OK place to come when life throws out challenges.” The Noel Café proved to be a place to share thoughts and feelings too, as well as refreshments.
Other popular vote-prizes were awarded to Waterbeach WI, Waterbeach Community Playgroup, and the 2nd Waterbeach Brownie Pack.
Judge Lindsay Davies awarded special commendation to members of Waterbeach Community Primary School for their ‘Sensory Tree’.
There was also a commendation for a fluffy-headed angel called Boris, and his tree decorated with seeds and berries, thanks to the Gardening Club’s Claire Smith.
Angela Brown, a member of the festival team, summed up the event, saying: “Like a healthy pine tree, this event has rooted itself in the existing communities and now reaches out towards nearby and emerging residents in the new town and developments here.
“Thanks to local generosity, this grade 1-listed building can inspire the new generations moving here.”
