STONEHAVEN’S Christmas tree light up tomorrow will launch the town’s festivities for another year – with a team of Santa’s elves making sure everyone is having fun and keeping a close eye on who’s being naughty or nice.
Richard Holman Baird of Rickarton Estates yet again provided the fine specimen gracing the Market Square. And a gang of ‘men who do’ have spent three days overseeing the erection of the festive fir, putting it in place and giving a big thumbs up to its vertical alignment. The volunteers represent many of the town’s organisations including the Community Council, Fireballs Association, the Lions Club, Town Partnership, Horizon Group and Men’s Shed.
Decoration is of course vital. This year, new baubles bought by the Community Council, with some of the proceeds from New Year’s Day Nippy Dip provide that essential yuletide glitz. Meanwhile, providing a challenge for keen eyes of all ages, five Christmas elves can be spotted among the branches and bling.
Volunteer Carlo Williams at work hiding elves among the decorations
STV’s Andrea Brymer will host the switch on event starting at 3pm spearheaded by the Stonehaven and District Lions Club. See the schedule below for the times of performances by the Kilwhang Ringers, Dunnottar Pipes and Drums and Fetteresso Church Worship Band, and the Mearns Singers along with entertainment by Mearns FM.
There would be no Christmas tree in the Market Square without the help of Groundwater Lift Trucks Ltd. The company, who supply the telehandler needed to hang the lights and decorations, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – so it is very fitting that Ivan Groundwater will switch on the lights at 5.15pm.
Tomorrow’s entertainment is a collaborative effort by many of the town’s organisations. In addition to the burgers served up by the Lions: Far and Wide are providing a Nativity display; the Rotary Club will serve mince pies and mulled wine; the Round Table will ensure Santa and his sleigh are in town as well as providing pop corn and candy floss; a Nativity trail is courtesy of the Catalyst Church; and Stonehaven Fire and Rescue will bring along a fire engine to entertain youngsters. For a final flourish, the Stonehaven land train will make a special guest appearance.
