Sherford Residents Help Spread The Festive Cheer At First Community Christmas Light Switch-On Event
15 Dec 2017

Christmas officially arrives at the new community, with an evening of carolling and mince pies in aid of Children’s Hospice South West
Residents of Sherford, community leaders and local children helped to spread the festive cheer at the town’s first community Christmas light switch-on event. Raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West, the event took place around the town’s 14ft Christmas tree, with guests enjoying a seasonal singalong from Sherford’s community choir, as well as local school children.

Organised by the Sherford Consortium, the network of homebuilders responsible for the new community, Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Taylor Wimpey, the event marked a major milestone in the town’s history, with over 70 residents now living at the town.

Children from neighbouring Yealmpton Primary School opened the event and helped guests get into the festive spirit by singing a selection of seasonal carols, alongside Sherford’s first community choir, led by the town’s Minister Tom Brassil. The students also performed an important task by officially turning on the lights of the large Christmas tree, located at the main entrance of the new town.

Funds were being raised on the night for Children’s Hospice South West, which provides hospice care for children with life limiting conditions and their families. The Sherford Consortium donated £300 to the charity, which was boosted by contributions given by guests during the event.

Guests included many of the first residents, local community leaders, including Sherford Vale’s Headteacher, Helen Tipping, members of the public from the surrounding area, local authority leaders and fundraisers from Children’s Hospice South West.

As part of Christmas celebrations across Sherford, the Morgan Sindall project team, which is building the village’s first school, welcomed students from Mount Tamar School to tour the site where the new school will be. The youngsters also had the chance to make their mark on the new development by joining the Morgan Sindall team, YGS Landscapes, and Plymouth Construction Training Group for a festive afternoon which involved planting eight special Christmas trees at key points across Sherford. The trees will be left to mature – creating a lasting legacy.

Emma Smith, Sherford Consortium said: “It was fantastic to see so many residents attend to help celebrate their first Christmas at Sherford, as well as donating to a very worthy cause. It is events like these which help to show the fantastic community spirit growing in the town.

“It has been a monumental year in the development of the new town and there has been plenty to celebrate, from the first residents settling into their new homes, to construction starting on the first primary school. The Christmas event is a testament on how far the community has come in just the past year and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones in 2018.”

Tom Brassil, Church of England Minister for Sherford said: “Community events are important to help bring people together, particularly during the festive season when it is a time for sharing and unity. I was thrilled to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds singing together, as well as donating to families and children in need over the festive season.”

Zoe Partridge, Community Fundraiser, Children’s Hospice South West said: “Christmas is a special time, and this is especially true for the families we care for at Children’s Hospice South West. Our three hospices could not provide the care they do without the love and support of local people. We would like to thank all those who donated at the event, as well as the Sherford Consortium; with all funds helping us to support children living with life limiting conditions and their families making precious memories at Christmas and beyond.”

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To find out more on how to donate to Children’s Hospice South West visit: https://www.chsw.org.uk/

To find out more about Sherford visit www.sherford.org

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