First Christmas tree festival to support historic churches

A group in Hastings has found a rather Christmassy way to raise funds for the restoration of two historic churches.
Mrs Hinxman (left), teacher at All Saints CE Junior Academy with grandson George Miller, Rose Smith, and Mayor Judy Rogers.Mrs Hinxman (left), teacher at All Saints CE Junior Academy with grandson George Miller, Rose Smith, and Mayor Judy Rogers.
Mrs Hinxman (left), teacher at All Saints CE Junior Academy with grandson George Miller, Rose Smith, and Mayor Judy Rogers.

All Saints Church, in All Saints’ Street in Hastings Old Town, is hosting what it says is the town’s first Christmas tree festival.

It will to help raise funds for the Two Towers Trust, the charity which supports the two medieval churches in the Old Town.

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The event was the brainchild of Two Towers Trust committee member Rose Smith, who said: “We’re always looking for new ways to raise funds for our wonderful old churches.

“I’ve seen a Christmas tree festival elsewhere and thought how good it was.

“I put the idea to the rest of the committee who agreed we should try it here. I hope it will become an annual tradition.

“We’ve decorated the whole church with many different trees, all sponsored by local people and local businesses.”

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Mayor of Hastings councillor Judy Rogers was on hand to open the festival yesterday and it will continue next weekend.

The festival will run between 10am and 4 pm on Saturday, December 17 and between 11am and 2pm on Sunday, December 18.

Admission is free, with programmes and ‘bottomless tea or coffee’ costing just £1.

There will also be a special handbell Christmas concert at 6pm on the Saturday in All Saints Church by the Senlac Handbell Ringers, again raising funds for the Two Towers Trust. Admission is free, with a retiring collection.

Hastings

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

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It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.