After a year when the local traders have struggled because of the road works in and around the village, the wish is that the beautifully decorated tree will bring back a sense of community, togetherness and hopefulness.
The force behind the event was parishioner Pat Robson of the Harbour Gallery, who moved into the village nearly three years ago just three days before Christmas and was surprised to find that there was no tree.
This year, as well as the Christmas tree, there were a number of elements to bring a festive feel to the occasion.
The tree was festooned in decorations made by Gorey Youth Club out of recycled materials and put in place by their leader Ciara and parishioners gathered outside Morrisons in Gorey Village to see the Constable of Grouville John Le Maistre turn on the lights.
This was followed by Christmas Carols sung by the Les Grouvelles Warblers ladies choir led by Jo Thorpe. The Reverend Jeff Wattley from Gouray on the Hill Church blessed the tree and wished everyone a Happy Christmas.
‘Father Christmas managed to find time in his busy schedule to pay a visit and to give each child attending a Glo Stick and a ghostly vision/living statue of Scrooge coming out of his coffin provided entertainment, thank you Fraser Martin,’ said Mrs Robson.
‘A very big thank you goes to Gorey Youth Club and their leader Ciara, they produced beautiful decorations for the tree, all recycled and many of which were decorated CDs adding lots of sparkle to the tree.’
Mulled wine and hot mince pies were served all evening outside Morrisons and from The Kitchen café and the shops and eateries in the village stayed open late for Christmas shopping and for the community to get together.
‘Thanks to Morrisons for allowing the facilities to put up and light up the Christmas tree outside of their shop, to the Parish of Grouville for the lovely tree and Dandara for sponsoring the lights and advertising. Also a thank you to the Honorary Police for directing the traffic,’ said Mrs Robson.
‘We hope that this will now become an annual event.’
