On Friday 4th December on a very cold afternoon, the 2020 Tree of Light was switched on. Arranged by Yate Rotary club, in conjunction with Yate Shopping Centre, a large tree near the eastern entrance, was lit up with 250 lights.

The President of Yate Rotary Club, Rtn Richard Gilpin, led the proceedings.

He introduced the Mayor of Yate, Cllr Karl Tomasin, who thanked the Rotary Club for all of their good work achieved both locally and internationally. He also thanked them for this splendid idea of the ‘Tree of Light’, enabling everyone to sponsor a light and remember a loved one or celebrate a special occasion.

The President expressed thanks to the Manager of the Shopping Centre, Mr Andrew Lowrey; the Director of Cotswold Homes, Mr Liam Rinn, whose sponsorship enabled the Rotary Club to get the project off the ground, and the other local businesses who generously helped to finance the 2020 lights: Adorno Companions, The Boundary Magazine, Murray Hire, SprintPrint, and Frost Wiltshire Accountants.

Christmas songs were played at the beginning and at the end of the ceremony. The recording was produced by the Year 8 Choir of Yate Academy who so much wanted to be present and sing live for the switching-on ceremony, but sadly were prevented by the Covid-19 restrictions.

A fantastic colouring competition was run in local primary schools for all children in years 5 and 6. The winner was Rocco Carboni from St Pauls Catholic Primary School and he had the privilege of officially switching on the Tree of Light 2020. Four 2nd Prizes were awarded to: Amy Brereton, Thomas E and Winston Hickman of St Mary’s C of E Primary School, and Silvana Osano of Iron Acton C of E Primary School.

The tree will be lit from dusk to midnight every day, shining out to bring us all together in celebration, after a very difficult year.

Rtn Marian Gilpin, co-ordinator of the project, said, ‘We hope everyone in Yate will sponsor a light in celebration of a much loved family member or a special event. The proceeds will help your local Rotary Club to support all kinds of local and international projects through the coming year.’

Details of how to participate are on the website: www.yaterotaryclub.co.uk


Group Photo – Yate Rotary President Richard Gilpin, Mayor Cllr Karl Tomasin, Rocco Carboni, Centre Manager Andrew Lowrey, and Director of Cotswold Homes Liam Rinn.