As well as the trees to tour, there was an instant raffle, Christmas gifts, an elf treasure hunt and children’s lucky dip. Half the proceeds for the refreshments went to Friends of St John the Baptist Church Findon, which is currently raising money to repair the church door.
Christine Griffin, one of the organisers, said: “The church looked absolutely wonderful. We had a fantastic weekend with 1,159 people through the door over the two days. It was a huge success. The atmosphere was that everybody was just so glad to be out and celebrating Christmas. Everybody was so generous.”
Visitors were asked to vote for their favourite tree and the winner was the Findon Sheep Fair Committee tree, with Findon Garden Association in second place and Friends of Clapham and Patching Churches third.
The Granny Tree by Margaret Allen was celebrating her eight grandchildren. She said: “We have three children and between them, they have eight children, so that makes me Granny to eight. The richness, joy and wonderful experiences that we have had over the years inspired me to crochet these ‘granny squares’ and include the grandchildren with their initials.”
Visitors were asked to vote for their favourite tree and the winner was the Findon Sheep Fair Committee tree, with Findon Garden Association in second place and Friends of Clapham and Patching Churches third.
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Decorations made by Bead Magicians, a friendly group of bead workers who meet once a month at Findon Village Hall
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Furry friends decorating the Cinnamon Trust tree
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Beautiful bell decorations on the Findon Church Bell Ringers' tree
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Handmade garlands and paper chains were used to decorate the Findon Messy Church tree