Thanks for all your Tree of Light support

The trees at Leamington town hall and St Margaret’s church, Whitnash, were wonderful sights, beautifully complementing the towns’ illuminations. They also represented a very special meaning to over 300 donors who generously gave £3,600 to Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of their loved ones whose names we displayed by the trees.

We are especially grateful to the editor and staff of the Courier for their series of weekly articles which so admirably described the switch-on events and highlighted the essential work of Macmillan, clearly demonstrating the Courier’s commitment to the local community.

The success of the Leamington tree switch-on was due to the help of the Warwick District Council, town hall personnel, Pete Smith of Tandy UK for his skilled provision of lighting and sound, the switch-on by chairman of Warwick District Council Michael Kinson, the dedication by the Rev Laird, minister of the Methodist church and carols sung by the Baptist church music group accompanied by the Spa Brass Band with the assembled crowd around the tree.

The Whitnash tree switch-on was memorable thanks to the Rev Richard Suffern and St Margaret’s music group with the electronic organist David Garrett leading the carols. We also thank St Margaret’s helpers for the welcome refreshments, Whitnash Town Council and Whitnash Library for publicity, Jenny and David Mason and Booth Electrical Contractors for the picturesque tree and Mayor Adrian Barton for his switch-on presentation.

We are very grateful to a new supporter, the Leamington branch of Rymans stationers, whose staff printed and enthusiastically folded the hundreds of donorship brochures for distribution.

During the two weekends before Christmas our Santa in the Royal Priors talked with almost 400 delighted children, thanks to Gerry MacManus and his staff there, while Santa’s sleigh glowed gratefully in its new bright red re-spray by Nationwide Crash Repair Centre, Warwick.

Finally, may I express our heart-felt thanks to the many people who supported these and our other activities through the past year. You have enabled us to contribute to many charitable causes throughout the year, detailed on our website www.sparotary.org.uk . Thank you so much. - George Dick, President, Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa.