Remember lost friends and loved ones with Rugby's Tree of Light

The Rotary Club of Rugby is once again giving people the opportunity to sponsor lights on the tree outside St Andrew’s Parish Church in dedication of the memory of loved ones.

All the money that is donated will be given to Rugby Myton Hospice to assist them in their work to give support and palliative care in Rugby.

A spokesperson for Rugby Rotary said: "As a consequence of the latest pandemic restrictions and the continuing uncertainty going forward, aspects of this year’s appeal will have to be different.

"However, your sponsorship and donations matter more than ever this year to help continue the work of the Hospice here in Rugby and we did not want to take away that means of funding this Christmas.

"This is the time in the year that we always bring to mind those of our nearest and dearest that are no longer with us but stay in our hearts.

"Losing loved ones over past years, whether it has been to that terrible disease of cancer, COVID or some other disease or tragedy, always brings a time of reflection and a time when we especially treasure their memory, and Christmas is that very special time of the year.

"The Mayor’s Town Christmas Tree will still be the focal point for our appeal and, along with the town street lights, the tree lights are expected to be switched on 23rd November.

"In these difficult times of COVID 19 and the restrictions that affect all our lives, we launch this year’s appeal but obviously certain events cannot happen.

"The Rotary Club of Rugby, as part of its dedicated service to the local community, is once again giving everyone the opportunity to sponsor lights on the tree outside St Andrew’s Parish Church in dedication to the memory of those loved ones we have lost."

The project is in its 22nd year - and last year the generosity of Rugbeians saw the tree raise £4,500 for the hospice.

In total the tree has raised £91,000 for the the charity.

The Rotary spokesperson added: "This is the 22nd year of the appeal and with the Mayor Cllr Bill Lewis remaining in office we were honoured to have his continuing support with the Town Tree as the focal point for the appeal and our President Keith Ward sends his grateful thanks.

"Unfortunately, the traditional ‘Appeal Launch’ with the handing over of the tree could not take place, and with St.Andrew’s Parish Church closed for public worship, the ‘Tree of

Lights Commemoration Service’ will not take place in December.

"Please also note that the ‘Book of Remembrances’ cannot be left in the Lady Chapel for viewing by the public and neither will the names be displayed on the board beneath the tree.

"However, thanks to the usual exceptional support from the Rugby Advertiser, the list of those you wish to remember will be published each week as always."

Sponsor forms can be found print editions of the Advertiser, starting on Thursday, November 19.

Forms can also be picked up at Albert Street's Blackham Opticians, who have very kindly agreed to be the collecting point this year as the Myton Hospices Shop which has had to close.

The completed Sponsor form and your donation cheque or Postal Order (minimum of £5 per dedication) payable to ‘Rotary Tree of Light’, should be sent to:

‘Rotary Tree of Light’, c/o 2 Bawnmore Court, Rugby CV22 7QQ

or taken to: (please knock and wait to be invited in)

Blackhams Opticians, 21 Albert Street, Rugby CV21 2SD

& marked ‘Tree of Light’

(If you are a UK Tax Payer you may also indicate that you wish your donation to be Gift Aided to increase it by 25%)

Sponsor forms & donations will be accepted up to Monday, December 21.