Award-Winning Christmas Tree Festival (CTF)

by Jean Davies

At the start of the year, we were delighted to learn that the Bedford Christmas Tree Festival had been nominated for an award being run by The Bedford Independent in partnership with The Harpur Trust, called “Everyday Heroes Awards”.

The award is split into various categories and CTF were included in the Fundraising Hero Award (Team).

On Thursday 1st May, along with Margaret Oakley (Chair of the CTF) and two other Committee members we attended the Awards Ceremony in the inspiring surrounds of the Quarry Theatre, on a beautiful spring evening on the hottest day of the year so far.

Before the ceremony began we enjoyed the pleasant weather in the Quarry Theatre garden which was helped along with cold drinks and nibbles served by Bedford School, the Award hosts. Once in the theatre the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and excitement. Music was provided by Bedford School’s Jazz Band adding that special touch of energy that kept the ceremony buzzing. What a fantastic group of musicians and so talented!

There were 5 other teams in our category and we held our breath as we waited the result, they announced the 2 teams who were high commended, and then with bated breath we heard the words “winners are The Christmas Tree Festival”, organised by Margaret Oakley and her team, who have raised a quarter of a million pounds over 25 years, split between St Pauls Church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.

It was a fantastic evening, and being among so many worthy nominations was humbling in itself, but as a winner it has given us a huge boost to know that our volunteering is much appreciated.

Thanks to all Bosom Pals members and friends who volunteer at this wonderful community event each year, especially at such a busy time of the year, to all those who sell raffle tickets, man the café two days a week and all the wonderful cake makers, we couldn’t do it without you.

The theme for this year is “Christmas past, present and future” and it runs from Wednesday 3 December – Sunday 7 December. If you would like to volunteer to sell raffle tickets, help in the café or bake a cake please contact Jean Davies on 01234 823496 or 07868016967.