Holt villagers display handmade Christmas trees for charity

Two handmade Christmas trees, made from knitted or crocheted squares, are on display in Holt following a project by villagers to raise funds for charity.

An 8ft Christmas tree is on display at Wild Herb at the Field Kitchen, and a 15ft tree stands on the Ham Green. The trees were made by local people in the Holt Crafters group to raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care.

Organiser Helen Gray said, “Making the frame for the trees was fun, but getting the squares sewn together to make the tree shape was interesting and mind-boggling. However, two beautiful works of art now stand in Holt, created from donations of yarn, a child’s climbing frame, wood, garden canes and hula hoops.

“Many hours were spent creating the stunning and imaginative squares, embellishing them with beads and tinsel yarn, and adding hundreds of lights.”

To celebrate the trees and raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care, which offers free palliative care, the group held a Christmas tree lights switch-on on 30th November on the Ham Green.

“Ham Green was full of people by 5pm, and the star of Bath’s Theatre Royal pantomime, Jon Monie, gave a fabulous speech and led the countdown before turning on the lights,” said Helen.

The group was also joined by local MP Brian Mathew, who recently mentioned the group in Parliament for their efforts in creating a spectacular poppy cascade for Remembrance.

Helen said, “We were also pleased to welcome Brian Mathew due to his support in Parliament for our poppy project.”

At the switch-on, people enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies, and Holt Crafters also sold handmade hats, scarves, baubles and angels for people to take away with a donation to Dorothy House Hospice Care.

St Katharine’s Church supported the event by lending lighting and sound equipment.