BROOK Street Chapel’s very first Christmas Tree Festival proved a sparkling success.

The Knutsford church enlisted the help of the town’s charity shops and volunteers in decorating trees which depicted their charitable organisation.

The trees were then put on display at the church for the public’s enjoyment from December 12-15.

Jean Bradley, Minister of Brook Street Chapel, organised the event.  She said: “The public’s reaction was, at first sight, how beautiful the trees looked, then as they looked at each tree they saw how carefully designed they were, as each tree displayed the charity’s work.

“This provoked a lot of thought and discussion regarding how much work is done without people realising.  Someone said the volunteers are like silent Samaritans, giving but never expecting praise. 

“I think that’s a lovely phrase to say at this Christmastime.”

For the past few years, St Cross Church has played host to a Christmas Tree Festival in a bid to raise money for charity but, as the church took a break from the event this year, Minister Bradley decided to carry on the tradition at Brook Street.

Traditionally, businesses have dressed the trees but Minister Bradley wanted to use the opportunity to highlight the town’s volunteer force at this year’s event.

Organisations that got involved in the tree decorating this year include; The Lions, Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, East Cheshire Hospice, Brook Street Chapel, Unitarian Women’s League, Heritage Centre, British Red Cross, Barnardo’s, Age UK and Oxfam.

Minister Jean wanted to thank all of the organisations who participated in the festival and everyone who came to visit the chapel to see the trees.

“I hope it might inspire more people to give a few hours a week in one of our many charities,” she added.

“I am hoping that we can continue to show our appreciation of volunteers every alternate year in conjunction with St Cross Church’s splendid work with their own tree festival.”