18 years ago The Lime Tree on the Ring in Stalbridge was lit for the very first time. It was the 9th November 2003 and a small team of brave souls set about the task of adding up to 4000 lights to the Lime tree on The Ring, in Stalbridge. An autumnal Sunday morning, dull and overcast - but by 8am the team had gathered... they carried on until nightfall - and still hadn't quite finished - that gives an idea of the scale of the job in hand! "As you may know, Stalbridge has been raising funds throughout 2003 to enable the purchase of the lights for the tree on The Ring. Organiser Julian Else (pictured below in red!) has been overwhelmed by the level of local support... including those mad enough to offer their services in climbing trees on cold November days." It's all part of Stalbridge christmas celebrations which are proving to be better and better as each year passes. With no fear of heights, the team of volunteers are pictured below, setting up to light the Lime tree on The Ring at Stalbridge for the first time, this Christmas.
Julian Else and the team in November 2003 setting up the first lighting of the Lime Tree
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LIGHTING UP STALBRIDGE 2003
As you will know we have been raising funds this year so that 4,000 white lights can be placed on the large Lime Tree at the Ring and on Monday 1st December 2003 the lights on the tree were switched on. This was a very special event as the tree has never been lit before and it is thanks to everyone who bought a bulb and raised money in many other ways that it has become a reality. At 6.30pm The Revd. William Ridding held a short service of celebration on the Ring. The winners of the Primary School Christmas Card competition were then invited to switch on the lights. Seasonal music was played, carols sung and mulled wine was served under the tree by Blackmore Vale Lions. Thank you to everyone who came along to join in and make this a very memorable occasion for the people of Stalbridge. Following the success of the last two years, Stalbridge held another Late Night Shopping Evening in the High Street. Many people came along and joined the High Street Traders in their shops to enjoy a glass of wine or a festive bite, or just to enjoy the Christmas music that filled the High Street from one end to the other. Visitors had the opportunity to buy a present or two, or just to browse, and of course Father Christmas stopped by on his sleigh, thanks to the Blackmore Vale Lions. Many of the organisations in Stalbridge ran stalls to raise money for their funds. The top end of Station Road was closed to traffic during the Late Night Shopping evening and many stalls were set up on both sides of the street, and throughout the evening there was Bell Ringing, Carol Singing and music from the Wessex Highlanders. A very special night for Stalbridge ! THE ABOVE TEXT AND PHOTOS ABOVE CAME FROM THE WAYBACKMACHINE INTERNET ARCHIVE AND WERE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN STALBRIDGE.NET |
The Reverend William Ridding took the service of celebration
crowds assembled on The Ring for the lighting up ceremony
The Ring Tree lit up for the first time
Late Night Shopping at Ann Moore's Antiques and Collectables
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Light up Stalbridge 2021 ?
Details of This Year's Lighting Up Ceremony will be posted soon, so watch this space!
