Burgess Hill's Christmas Tree Is Lit Up Brighter Than Ever Before
18th December 2018 | By Peter Chapman
The Burgess Hill Christmas Tree was lit up brighter than ever at a service at St John's Church last Wednesday evening after the community helped fund the replacement lights following a theft at the end of November.
Over 180 people were in attendance at the Church for the special event which was lit soley by glowsticks held by the congregation.
Prayers were said and Carols sung, ably accompanied the Mid Sussex Brass Band.
The first of two big switch-ons started with the Church's internal Christmas tree...
The climax of the service came when everyone clustered around the tree outside St John’s, sang the traditional carol ‘O Christmas Tree’ and then counted down 3-2-1 to light up the tree.
To end the evening the Church were serving up mince piece and warm fruit punch.
“Topped by a shining star, the tree has more lights on it than ever before, perhaps even three times as many” said Fr Kevin, Vicar of St John’s,
“Messages of support and donations flooded in so that we reached over £2800 in the space of just one week. Clearly the people of Burgess Hill were determined not to be defeated by the theft and responded magnificently” he added,
“The one sadness is that now the lights have to be protected by CCTV, but that is a small blip in an otherwise heart-warming and inspiring story. We hope that the tree will gladden the hearts of the people of Burgess Hill, as they celebrate Christmas across the town this year and for years to come.”
The replacement has most certainly been a community effort, Gallaghers funeral directors continued their support, Stuart Jackson volunteered his electrical services, the cherry picker was donated by Facelift, TL Carr supplied the lights at a large discount – there were generous donations from Tom Welfare, Steve Willis Training, Burgess Hill Town Council, Burgess Hill Lions and advice and assistance from Burgess Hill Round Table, plus many donations from people around the town.
The lights will be on every evening until early January.
| Spread the word! Burgess Hill's Christmas Tree is lit up brighter than ever before!
|
 Got an opinion on this story? Leave a comment below.....
What do you think of the newly lit up Christmas Tree at St John's Church?
|
