We, at Messenger, built and moved into our current head office in 2018. Having always had a vision to light the front tree at Christmastime, it wasn’t until the somber Covid year of 2020 that we finally invested the time and effort to do so. The tree brought much joy to the Messenger team, the local villages and without doubt, the thousands who passed by that year.
The initial installation was a little rushed, so we found ourselves needing to replace the lights for the 2023 festive season.
We enlisted the help of LUX Technical The Creative Technical Event Production Company – LUX Technical and Sanderson Tree Care Sanderson Tree Care Professional Tree Surgeon for Rutland & Leicestershire to replace the lights, ready for switch on Friday 1st December.
Previously we have simply turned on the lights from the office with little occasion, however, this year we thought we would invite staff from the local Birch Tree Café* Birch Tree Café – Rooted in the community, thriving together to do the honours.
Joe and Luke came along, and we all enjoyed mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive treats before the countdown commenced. To top off the occasion, Rob Persani from the local radio station Rutland and Stamford Sound dropped by to grab a couple of interviews.
It is only recently that we have come to realise just how much joy the tree brings to so many, and how it has become a marker of the beginning of Christmas for many of the locals.
Here’s hoping the new installation lasts for many years to come!
Merry Christmas and here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead for all.
* The Birch Tree Café is a place where young people who have Down’s Syndrome can work, socialize, and be accepted as part of the vibrant village community of Easton on the Hill.
They offer great quality, casual food and drink in spacious, attractive surroundings. The café helps the enthusiastic young staff members develop workplace skills and confidence, thereby improving their employment prospects and independence – so they can realise their own ambitions. The team members work on a voluntary basis, and are provided with a wide range of supervised additional activities for them inside and outside the café.
