A popular focal point for Royston folk at Christmas time is the large heavily decorated Christmas Tree which can be found in the north aisle of St John the Baptist Parish Church. The lower branches are always left empty so that members of the congregation and visitors can place baubles on the tree in memory of loved ones who are not with them at Christmas.
This doesn’t necessarily mean remembering people who have passed, simply anyone who is unable to be with you at this special time of the year. This year marks the twelfth anniversary of the bauble scheme.
When we first started in 2014 about 200 baubles were placed on the tree. Last year, incredibly, we had over 1000 messages! It is very uplifting to watch how the numbers grow in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
We plan to maintain the tradition again this year and we will be having a “Light-Up” on Saturday 28th November at 10.30am. This will be the first opportunity for folk to write a message and hang a bauble. We plan to make a day of it serving coffee, mince pies and mulled wine from 10am-4pm.
A craft stall and a preserves stall will also be available. Folk will then be most welcome to visit the church whenever it is open during December to hang baubles.
The church will also be open on Friday November 27th from 6.30-8.30pm to support the Town Christmas Light Switch-on event. Refreshments, including free soup will be available.
