St Barnabas welcomed over 400 children to preview the Christmas Tree Festival this year. The children took part in workshops where they helped to create a prayer tree and learned that ‘Jesus is the Star of Christmas’. A total of 18 organisations displayed a tree this year including local businesses, schools, uniformed groups and other voluntary and church groups. With Sunnyside Spencer Academy producing 7 trees and the creation of 3 prayer trees during the event the total number of trees reached 27! The Trees were enjoyed by more than 20 elderly residents and special guests at a Vintage Tea Party held among the trees. The Open Day itself saw over 175 people (and 2 cuddly toys!) come through the doors to enjoy the Family Activities and Christmas Cafe. The Festival finished off on Sunday with a Morning Advent Service surrounded by the trees and a Community Tea hosted by Cafe Church where guests were treated to a Nativity by the Brownies. All in all it was a really special few days where people came together to celebrate all that is good in our local community. Thanks to everyone who made it happen and all who came to see it! Happy Christmas.
