A COMMUNITY group created a buzz of interest in Holmes Chapel, when it won the village’s Christmas tree festival.

Holmes Chapel Women’s Institute (WI) scooped first prize in the Methodist church’s competition, after members painstakingly transformed their entry into a ‘bee tree’.

The 6ft tree, which featured papier-mache hives and honeypots, knitted sunflowers and fabric bees, beat 24 other Holmes Chapel community groups and businesses to the top spot.

Thelma Dutton, secretary of Holmes Chapel WI, said: “It caused quite a lot of comments but I suppose that’s natural, when it’s a Christmas tree with bees on it.

“It was so attractive with the silver, gold, black and yellow – very striking. Some of the decorations were fantastic. We had a big queen bee on the top with fairy wings.”

Christmas cards were also tied to the branches spelling out: ‘To bee or not to bee’.

As well as sharing a bit of festive fun, the contest allowed WI members to spread an important message about the plight of bees.

At the WI’s national conference in London, which was attended by about 6,000 people, members decided to make it their yearly resolution to help prevent harm to bees through disease and pesticides.

This is also having a knock-on effect on the countryside and food production.

“It would be terrible if the British honeybee just disappeared,” added Thelma, 69.

“It’s a prominent issue that needs attention. It resonated with people in Holmes Chapel – they’re aware it’s a big thing.

“We campaign on a grassroots level and then the national office lobbies the Government.

“There’s a great swell of feeling about it. We were very pleased to win the competition, especially since there was an important message.”

The bee tree was designed and erected by Kerry Axon, Brenda Boyd, Karen Clarke, Francoise Rothery and Iris Stratford and has now been donated to the Cedars Care Home in Brookfield Drive.

Holmes Chapel WI, which has 47 members aged between 40 and 80, marks its 80th anniversary in March.

Thelma said: “We’re one of the oldest clubs. We’re working on celebrations and will have a smashing party and organise some vibrant events.”

The team is also looking at how to put even more of a sting into their entry in next year’s Christmas tree-dressing competition.

Holmes Chapel WI holds its next meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 4, at St Luke’s Hall.

For more information, call Thelma on 01477 537989 or president Lynda Searle on 01477 533086.