Enjoying a highlight of their year at the 10th year of the Balclutha Combined Churches Christmas tree extravaganza are (from left) Emily Budge (12), Antoinette MacAulay (6), Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan, Richard MacAulay (8), Pippa Hickey (11) and Keira Hancock (10) at the Clyde St Presbyterian Church last Thursday.
‘‘It’s enchanting to be able to drop in here and feel the local talent announcing the Christmas spirit,’’ Mr Cadogan said.
Any local organisation was invited to decorate a provided tree, to be viewed and voted for by viewers attending between December 2-5 for a gold coin donation or canned contribution to Balclutha’s Food Hub. Cash prizes were on offer for open, under 13s, preschool and mayor’s choice categories, and the creativity and themes of many entrants were innovative.
‘‘The event came about through the combined churches wanting to show unity by putting on an event for the community to enjoy and at the same time assist a local charity,’’ co-organiser Pauline Dodds said. REPORT & PHOTO: NICK BROOK
