BRIGG TREE OF LIGHT CLOSING CEREMONY - REPORT & PICTURES BY KEN HARRISON

 

The concluding service for the Brigg Tree of Light, in Chapel Court, took place in the dimming light during Saturday afternoon (January 4, 2020).
The Rev Peter Thomas, from the Methodist Circuit, would normally share the service with Father Owain, from St John's Church, but with Father Owain's imminent departure to pastures new - click here for details - the Rev Peter took charge. 
With the assistance from various colleagues, including Brigg Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall (pictured above) names from the Book of Remembrance were emotionally read out by speakers, each of whom croaked slightly when they came to a name that they recognised.
Prayers were said and hymns sung in the chilling mists of the late afternoon.....hot coffee and tea stood by to ward off the crisp air. Those who went before were remembered.
Proceeds from the Tree of Light will be shared equally by Brigg Carers' Centre and the Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy Fight Fund.
Brigg Blog's thanks go to Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters magazine, for this illustrated report.
Brigg Town Business Partnership organises the Tree of Light - an event established some years ago. The tree had been has been standing in Chapel Court since mid-November. Many people, in the run up to Christmas, took the opportunity to place memory cards on the tree in remembrance of departed loved ones. A Christmas raffle was also held, with the winners announced on Saturday.
 

The Rev Peter Thomas - from the Methodist Church - who officiated.

Coun Jane Kitching reads out a list of Christmas raffle prize winners.

The Rev Peter Thomas (left), Chris Dyson (centre) and Brigg's Deputy Town Mayor, Coun Brian Parker.