With so many of the town’s annual events such as Tavistock Carnival, Goose Fair and Dickensian Evening having been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Lions’ Club of Tavistock is delighted to confirm that the Trees of Light, on the front of the town hall, will still be going up and switched on towards the end of the month.

The three trees form the centre piece of the town’s Christmas lights and the only change this year is that there will be no formal switching on ceremony in order to comply with Government guidelines.

This will be the twenty second year that the Lions’ club has organised these wonderfully illuminated trees with the bulbs sponsored by an individual or family in celebration of a memory of a loved one, a special occasion or indeed a happy event such as a birth.

‘In this unusual year, it would be great if they could also be used to remember all those who have helped and inspired us in these difficult times especially in the NHS, said Lions’ member Steve Grummitt.

The Trees of Light started with a single tree back in 1999 and since then nearly £115,000 has been raised and distributed to local charities.

For the seventeenth year, local funeral directors Morris Bros. (Tavistock) Ltd. will be the main sponsor and directors Simon and Lucie Luke are delighted to be supporting the project once again.

‘They recognise the importance of the Trees of Light and that with their financial help, it does ensure that all the money donated is given to the nominated charities which this year will be the Chestnut Appeal, the Primrose Foundation, Derriford Children’s Cancer Service, the Triangle Centre for cancer support in Tavistock and the League of Friends of Tavistock Hospital.’

Lion John Noblet, the main organiser within the club, said that he was very pleased with the continued support from Morris Bros, and the Tavistock Times for publishing the sponsorship form in its paper. Also, the South West Lakes Trust for donating the trees, Rob Moule of RM Builders Ltd. for transporting the trees from Burrator and Tavistock Town Council and staff for their sterling work in erecting and decorating the trees.

In an effort to obtain additional sponsors for the trees this year and to raise more money for the NHS linked charities, the club has distributed flyers to most of the houses around the town with an application form which when completed has to be returned to John with the donation.

Alternatively, you can complete the form in the current edition of the Tavistock Times or download one from the club’s website at www.tavistocklions.org.uk

Donations can also be made online through the ‘Just Giving’ web page by going to www.justgiving.com and searching for ‘Trees of Light run by the Lions Club of Tavistock’ with UK taxpayers ensuring that the Gift Aid box is ticked.

A full list of the donors will be published in the Tavistock Times around Christmas time and those who have requested a commemorative card will receive one just before the start of the festive season.