Telford Tree of Light ready for Christmas switch on
Telford's 2018 Rotary Tree of Light, which gives people a way of commemorating the names of loved ones at Christmas time, has got under way.
Rotarians John Morris-Roberts and Paul Booth franked almost 3,000 envelopes at Lanyon Bowdler solicitors in Telford, and they were posted the same day to those who took part last year.
The envelopes contain application forms in the hope that they will take part again.
"Lanyon Bowdler allow us to use their franking machine, which saves us a lot of money," said John.
The opening of the tree will be performed by Jo Jesmond, a presenter on Free Radio, in a switch-on ceremony starting at 4.30pm on November 15 at Telford shopping centre.
John added: "The Salvation Army Band will play Christmas carols and as many names as possible will be around the tree of those who will have sent their forms in to us early on."
He said charities supported this year are Severn Hospice at 50 per cent, and Lingen Davies Cancer Care at 25 per cent, with the rest split equally among Telford Young Carers, Tickwood Care Farm, Club 2000 and Wellington Theatre Company Youth Theatre.
These charities were nominated by the four Rotary clubs involved in the Tree of Light – Wellington, Telford Centre, Ironbridge and The Wrekin.
Minimum donation for each entry on the Tree of Light is £5, and names are displayed on lists at various locations including around the Tree of Light in Telford shopping centre, at Wellington market, in the windows of Tranter Lowe’s offices in Oakengates and Dawley, and inside Truffles Café in Ironbridge.
Last year the tree raised £43,000, and since the appeal started 20 years ago it has generated over £580,000 for 48 worthy causes.
Application forms and more details are at www.telfordtreeoflight.org.uk
