Christmas lights go on in villages across the district

THE official switch-on of the first Holmbridge community Christmas tree took place on Friday last week. A large group of local people gathered outside the Bridge Tavern to enjoy the festivities, with mulled wine, mince pies and assorted treats for the children.

VILLAGERS customised Christmas trees for a Yuletide Festival in Skelmanthorpe. More than 40 trees transformed Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church into a winter wonderland. They were exhibited by local businesses, schools and clubs who got busy decorating them in a theme to reflect their business or group. Children from St Aidan's First School, pictured, adorned their tree with custom made decorations while the local butcher, hairdresser and beauty shops also created bespoke baubles representing their trades.CAPTION(S):Holme Silver Band and Vocal Expressions choir led a traditional and enjoyable outdoor carol service with a sprinkling of snow falling to give the whole event a truly festive and seasonal feel.The lights were switched on by villager Kath Bellamy.Local children adorned the tree with an assortment of lovely hand-made decorations.More than 170 visitors were wowed by the display and many stayed on to enjoy a variety of live music and refreshments. Organists included Christine Senior, Bernard Jaggar and Tony Ward, along with singers and instrumentalists, Stuart and Rose Merry, who sang, played the recorder and the guitar. On Friday morning children from St Aidan's First School performed songs with a seasonal theme. In the afternoon, the choir from Skelmanthorpe First and Nursery School sang Christmas songs, carols and a selection from their forthcoming Christmas production.Thanks also to Holme Valley Parish Council for sponsoring the lights and to the Bridge Tavern for the power to illuminate them and also for making those present so welcome on the night.Most impressive was the village bakery who created a Christmas tree entirely made from buns with a ginger bread house. The festival was sponsored by Solo's and Chi Chini.Many people had been involved in the preparations and thanks go to those who made donations of all kinds to make the event such a success.

TREE-MENDOUS: Skelmanthorpe First School pupils with their trees at the Christmas Tree Festival at Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church - Evie Wojarski, Nathan Moorhouse, Amelia Embury-Walsh, Archie Greaves, McKenna Drake and Ellie Rumney Picture Julian Hughes by ( JH101210Htree-01) LET THERE BE LIGHT: Trevor and Kath Bellamy, left and right, and Bridge Tavern hosts Matthew and Alison, centre, and below the festive scene after the big switch-on