All are invited to two Christmas Tree of Light switch-on events organised by the befriending charity Communicare this weekend (November 30 and December 1, 2024).
The Good Neighbours organisation’s free light-up events will take place in Woolston Millennium Garden this Saturday, November 30 and at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road this Sunday, December 1.
Annie Clewlow, Communicare’s manager, says: “We’re inviting people to come along to one of our free Tree of Light switch-ons at 5.30pm on Saturday, November 30 in the Woolston Millennium Garden or from 4.30pm at St Mark’s Church on Archers Road on Sunday, December 1. Everyone is welcome to these joyous events regardless of whether they’ve sponsored one of the lights on our trees.
“On the Saturday at Woolston Millennium Garden, we’ve carols around the tree led by The Rising Stars. Bring a lantern if you’d like to! Then on the Sunday, come along to St Mark’s Church, Archers Road from 4.30pm. We’ll have craft activities, refreshments and carols from 4.30pm and the switch on at 5.30pm. Both events are free. No booking required.”
In the run up to these two switch-on events, people are invited to commemorate a loved one, person or pet, or a cause, by sponsoring lights on the trees.
Annie adds: “While offering people a lovely way to remember, our 16th annual Tree of Light campaign also helps us both fundraise and generate vital awareness for our volunteer befriending network.
“Our switch-ons are jolly and inclusive occasions and represent the chance to highlight issues related to loneliness, especially during the festivities. The city’s 802nd Right Worshipful Mayor, and third Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor David Shields will be joining us to flick the switch at both events this year.
“We’d like as many people as possible to come along to enjoy these celebratory events, which are open to all, regardless of whether you’ve sponsored a light or not.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor a light is asked to make a minimum donation of £8. The names of those being remembered will be recorded in a remembrance book and published on the charity’s website. People can also send photographs, short poems/verses or a tribute for inclusion in the book. Sponsorship is open until December 31, 2024.
Annie adds: “Those who also wish to also receive a remembrance star for their own Christmas tree at home, should send a stamped addressed envelope to our office: 6 Northlands Road, Southampton, SO15 2LF along with their donation for their light. Please contact us on 023 8250 0050 or email accounts@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk if you would like further information about this and sponsoring a light.
“We’re very grateful to Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church and Spectrum Signs, for their on-going support. This event is so important in our fundraising and social calendar.”
For sponsorship forms and more information about the 2024 Tree of Light campaign and the two switch-on events, visit communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
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