Rotarians celebrate success of 12th Trees of Light campaign

The Royal Leamington Spa Rotary Club’s Trees of Light at Leamington town hall and St Margatet’s church in Whitnash shone throughout Christmas and attracted donations of more than £3,600 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Personal to all those who gave generously, the lights symbolically remembered more than 300 names in the lists displayed at the town hall, the church, Whitnash Library and the Royal Priors shopping centre.

Thanking the rotaians and those who made doantions Karen Shortt, Macmillan Cancer Support’s fundraising manager for Warwickshire, said: “Thank you for supporting us as your nominated charity once again.

“Both Tree of Light services this year were a wonderful success and it has been a pleasure working with you once again.

“I am sure you will all agree that it has once again been a tremendous success with a wonderful amount of money having been raised for people affected by cancer.

“Thank you for remembering your loved ones in this very special way.”

The switch-on in Leamington has become a very special part of the town’s lights switch-on event, with the simple dedication service and Christmas carols led by the Baptist Church Music Group accompanied by the Royal Spa Brass Band providing a resounding start to the festive period.

The Whitnash tree switch-on broke new ground this year with the carols being accompanied by the organist playing an electronic organ.

A large gathering joined in the dedication and carols, followed by mince pies and refreshments in the church annex.

This was the 12th year the club has run the Trees of Light campaign, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes over the years.

George Dick, the Leamington rotary club’s president, said he is delighted that the Trees have become an essential part of Christmas for so many people.

He added: “I know from personal experience how very important is the support provided by Macmillan.

We Rotarians are privileged to be able to help such essential charities, but we need more members.

“I would welcome contact from anyone who would like to join us or help us in our charitable activities. Please feel free to call me on 855445, or visit our website www.sparotary.org.uk.”

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer by providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support and pushing for better cancer care.

For more information go online.