Tree festival success

The festival - which runs until Monday (December 4) - is almost certain to be a local trend-setter.

Participating groups both from within the church community and without have contributed to the success of an attraction which extends the principal of increasingly-popular church flower festivals.

From Thursday's opening a succession of visitors were happy to give 1 towards urgently-needed church maintenance in order to enjoy the skill and ingenuity which had gone into the decoration of a total of 21 trees.

Each tree has an individual theme. Each corner of St Michael's bears the fruits of weeks of careful thought and preparation.

Flying high over the nave are the efforts of the Vicar, the Rev David King, and church treasurer Ian Fishwick.

One sees a Christmas tree borne heavenwards on angels' wings. The other sees Santa rocketing upwards.

For co-organisers Jan Sparks and Hilary King the festival is the culmination of nine months of planning.

Jan said: "We had seen one in West Sussex two or three years ago and we thought it would be lovely here.

"All the organisations were invited to put a tree in. We have 21 trees - all different."

Hilary said: "We are getting people to vote for their favourite tree.

"Everyone has been very excited about doing their trees and telling us 'We've got a really good idea...' But each kept it a careful secret."

The Christmas tree tradition started in Germany in the 16th Century. The St Michael's festival took tradition in new directions.

The Vicar told the Observer: "I think the festival is just wonderful, especially the way the whole community not just the church groups have contributed."

The church has just undergone its quinquennial structural survey. Roof repairs, rendering and the need to provide better disabled access by widening the north door could cost 20,000.